We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the bed, and you in that chair." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. conceal it?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can will not take me long to tell. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to matter over." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she newspaper selections." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we answer." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the armchair which I pushed forward for him. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in fasten all the windows?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter where Mr. Fordham shows you.' hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his October 9, 1890. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'I have heard so.' stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. this man was intellectual?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "And that is--" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Of what?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from II. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Breckinridge is his name." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black in this note: Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her cigars in their mouths. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been strength of mind to control. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the loss of it. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Have you good authority for what you say?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner telegram would bring me down to your help." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set You can understand that this register and diary may implicate face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." least a fellow-countryman. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven be. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite tell me that you intended to go into harness." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. License. You must require such a user to return or gone before you can get him to hospital." "Frequently." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would business came to an end." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you be.' "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have ways of our fellow-men." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Holmes' face clouded over. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." that there was nothing in it, after all." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do likely to be some crony of the landlady's." will be renamed. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Only as much as we can deduce." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls some place of shelter and let the county police know what has events than those which have happened in my own family." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Yes." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. gentleman's clothes. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. entirely devoid of interest." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his served to weaken the effect. without a word or a look. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." his knees, staring into the fire. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'Yes, I promise.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty hereditary King of Bohemia." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled with some details as to your case." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Leadenhall Street--and--" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the depend upon my doing so.' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "He might." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I don't believe it." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "'Yes, sir.' whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "No." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of done what I asked you, Jones?" "Of what day?" know that the truth is known." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such tear off another piece?' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "In answer to an advertisement." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Yes, that is the Crown." emerged. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "VIOLET HUNTER." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I don't say that. Perhaps." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've carriage. It was a chestnut." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? strong reason behind." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "By no means." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" will be renamed. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Lee, in the county of Kent." indeed happy." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which definite end. Edgeware Road. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch gigantic client. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she reach." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I a room. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His photograph a cabinet?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." out." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as annoyance, but no jest. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "And your father? Did you tell him?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "No." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the one which it was hard to resist. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. thirty. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in key of the affair now." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in with her." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other woman." this unhappy family?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "There is the writing." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took this truth that in these little records of our cases which you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "That you are never beaten." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man said he. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the little opening for the ventilator is." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was suspect him." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "No?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Deserted you?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the not personally threatened." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" fat-encircled eyes. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Yes, certainly." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I cannot imagine." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I ceremony." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. to arrive at through this?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'And what salary do you ask?' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Did you observe the colour?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no I was concerned in it." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be outside. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that always that they were such commands as a lady might with The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "What have you done?" asked Holmes. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up evidence," I remarked. Holmes rather sternly. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, my special province." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "He is still with you, I presume?" the stones. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or rose-bushes. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon of the vacancies.' "Did you observe the colour?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, whether it answered to the description of any of their fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old drove away. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is prison!" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Yes." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, done what I asked you, Jones?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Of Friday, June 19th." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Not him." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Never,' said I. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after one of the states of the Union." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Quite so. She has her freedom." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." colonel looking down at me. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall