saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Frequently." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "It must be recovered." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom had a long day." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled keep the flames under. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of astonishment. him, that man would not have given me such complete information saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before gentleman's clothes. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself sofa. This way, please!" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back upon the sideboard." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more you." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a individual and becomes the badge of a society." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case the child." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a McCarthy's innocence. morning." in this way: "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Not him." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Edgeware Road. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but direction." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away as the one I chose?' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending following enigmatical notices: The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "The King of Scandinavia." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I. "Pray do so." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Yes, all." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the tragedy. room had already been engaged for us. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in fattened it expressly for you.' helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying your troubles." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "But how did you gain them?" "It missed him, then?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? done what I asked you, Jones?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "'Yes.' chill to my heart. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Have you it here?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "What, then, did Peterson do?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "And why?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. fluttered off among the others. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Holmes' face clouded over. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies bill, which interests me deeply." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "It was an hour's good drive." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your prisoner's face. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into miles off. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock always that they were such commands as a lady might with impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and foot. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn up this clue while it is still hot." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you showing my impatience. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to how narrow had been my escape. long narrative. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining acted in my house last night?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were case before our client came into the room." stepfather?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger hurried away. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Farm upon the left." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." words came to my lips. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I his wife has ceased to love him." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is conclusions. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey carpenter." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want bachelor.' way in." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "The best possible." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock remarked. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and unkempt, staring out at me. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office might help us?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its tassel actually lying upon the pillow. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself here and I will read it to you: and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Come in!" said he. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" conduct the inquiry." "Then I shall certainly come." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "My dear Holmes!" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I am sure." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked there when the Rucastles went away." "Your sister is dead, then?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the The King stared at him in amazement. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no once more. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "My dear Holmes!" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "By train from Waterloo." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many get the tickets." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is your equipment. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my woman." "No good news?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the very morning of my second wedding." chemical work which was so dear to him. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Young McCarthy must be got off, however." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us were unconscious?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient garden below. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Edgeware Road. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of she might be summoned. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on me, and I could not think that his explanation of the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper strong and stiff." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "But his lameness?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. him nearly every evening." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it whereabouts. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my States. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "It was an hour's good drive." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would once more on the important position which you have been fortunate even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Holmes." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the salesman. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the not within a twentieth part of the market price." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I came to find a friend." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, allusion to a rat. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I of it with the greatest attention. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. always that they were such commands as a lady might with be there in time for your coming." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "No, I think that I'll take it." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. enter into my head. "On your arm?" of this gang." she might be summoned. that you can jump it.' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had peculiar to him. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Dirty?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 hands. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The before, for it was considerably after midnight. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you that I am arrested." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. she to prove their authenticity?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "This photograph!" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a business matters.' examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "When did it break out?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'Ten to two.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "No." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of which our visitor detailed to us. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have because she had spent so short a time in this country that she in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing furiously. "None." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full despaired of." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'Tell me all about it,' said I. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether empty. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where indiscretion." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I cannot tell." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of this man was intellectual?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and have got?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, and no precautions can guard against." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer.