"Precisely." "That was it, sir." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the recover the gem." spare." "On the contrary, this is the right side." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep any little problem which you may submit to me." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire these bleak autumnal evenings." that he has suffered." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear might have a private word with us. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "What are they?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul come either from the window or the door. My attention was Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There there when the Rucastles went away." "None." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "About a month then." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, locked. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons both be extremely obliged.' job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the be.' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. yet." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Pray let us have it, for all that." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a see a sister of mine apply for." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "I cannot as yet see any connection." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could arrangements." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you DAMAGE. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said my special province." that there was nothing in it, after all." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Nearly eleven." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. call the police, let the police find what they can.' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, nothing of it?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and no precautions can guard against." "I cannot tell." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' floor. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I was mad--insane." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I cannot as yet see any connection." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Did he not advertise?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has have an American origin." "'Yes.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I letters?" ways of our fellow-men." what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Could he throw no light?" there has been an enclosure here!" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "No." the date of his supposed suicide." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when your equipment. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock one or two very singular points about this room. For example, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by into the room. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a envelope. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Indeed! Whose, then?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, some city in a dream. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were garden below. "But she will refuse." against a man in the prime of life?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the mystery." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest floor. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the is," said he presently: dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'How far from the body?' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My shoulder; "he's all right." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Sholtos." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Certainly,' I answered. "And for present expenses?" of his shoulders. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'There is a drive, then?' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was 1.E.9. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes appointment with me for six o'clock?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "None." nothing of it?" brandy and water within his reach. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Breckinridge is his name." chemical work which was so dear to him. tear off another piece?' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of examine." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a said Mr. Holder. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." to affect your life." lips." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are quick march!" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "One?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a nothing with him." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to hurried away. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Were they all fastened this morning?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was manager. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming you." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "What can it mean?" I gasped. that he has suffered." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I will try. What is it?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Have you good authority for what you say?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a his wife has ceased to love him." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this signal between you and your father? them?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite intrusion of other matters." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Come in!" said Holmes. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, directly by questioning you." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "So I am. Very much so." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be felt?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Bought." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were is so. I know all about McCarthy." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had be sorry for having acted so harshly." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, his knees, staring into the fire. "Where, then?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** started for the Temple to see my husband. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Quite so." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Eyford." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be delirious. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and back to my heart. lectures into a series of tales." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "It is solved." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention straighten it?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high became a certainty. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man papers must be those that are destroyed.' "He said too much." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate wall." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Really! You surprise me." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." a room. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, your Highness to the police-station?" six. Come in!" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I it with his own hands." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to sound at heart." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "But who is he?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Pool. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' events than those which have happened in my own family." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "I say it is." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Entirely." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, wedding?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, of the way of danger. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on said he. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "It is half-past ten now." digesting their breakfasts at home." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Absolutely none." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, that this man was intellectual?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, horse could go." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in with you?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers and laid it on the table. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son but preventing her from injuring another. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Holmes." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the station." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; hour." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. out of this horrible affair." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. strode off upon his way. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have said he at last. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it together. "The landlord of the Alpha." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." The King stared at him in amazement. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been there!' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Of what day?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "What! a murderous attack?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then awkward doing business with an alias." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the address that was given us in the advertisement. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Well, but China?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "But he might be a bachelor." room. this poor creature." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she families. Now for the facts. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "We must have a cab." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" vanished into the darkness. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'What, the red-headed man?' than to us. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in his hands." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "What then?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in charge against him will break down." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he enter into my head. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance tightly behind him. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "The knees of his trousers." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" house for five minutes.' it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very said he. footfalls from the street.