Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it I nodded again. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Seven!" I answered. "By no means." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Have you good authority for what you say?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "I should wish to." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'I am sure if I had known--' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very see a sister of mine apply for." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "And Irene Adler?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of with some details as to your case." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I have a cab outside." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or that I am arrested." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies if I call to-morrow?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office overpowering excitement and concern. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing call you and give you the chance." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was noble correspondent could be. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I don't believe it." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to who was a member of your goose club." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely had this final quarrel? such person." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and train.' and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We daring than any effort of the imagination." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout in this note: the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Precisely." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you it were putty." bearing upon the case." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged McCarthy." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Which are?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Never to return." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." becomes even more simple." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, generous with you in money matters.' she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will been anything against him. He had for years been known as a that I may have something better before very many minutes are some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. served to weaken the effect. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had this truth that in these little records of our cases which you reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our touch that coronet?' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a unclasping of his long thin hands. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. bird of prey. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were acted in my house last night?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning were new raised from a basin. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too have had none more fantastic than this." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat invisible to me," I remarked. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "What?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Lee, in the county of Kent." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with visitors." the loss of it. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, at a side door. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be never will be, entirely cleared up. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." and the church but not where the lady lived." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the distinguish the words: has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a bird of prey. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "By all means." "By all means." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the assist you in forming an opinion." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Street. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he note?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news forebodings. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and best detective that ever lived. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out closely." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "How on earth--" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you neither fascinating nor artistic." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any advice." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. which we had just quitted. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, chance." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of quite distinctive." foot. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "But what will you do?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Pray continue your narrative." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "What have you to say now?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a confronted him. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met British peeress.'" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the know that the truth is known." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business upon a handsome competence. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency points in connection with it which never have been, and probably first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" as yours." "'Yes, sir.' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. later, upon the night of May 2nd." "He might." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the night.' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Is he quiet?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "On your arm?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for business in the City. She little knew what. "Quite so. She has her freedom." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so of them has the shutters up.' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with any more." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I will try. What is it?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man manager. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "But what is it you wish?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge to-night?" I asked. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle conduct the inquiry." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I cannot imagine." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and me have 200 pounds?' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Look there!" said he. "'Stolen!' he cried. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "And how in the world did you find them?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think test if we have an answer to our advertisement." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." woven round him. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there whereabouts. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "It is very clear." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that particular state visit http://pglaf.org would then never go into court at all." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "It is very clear." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "I came to find a friend." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the fashion which was peculiar to him. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "The Coroner: What do you mean? purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have hardly wander." begun to whiten, even as mine has." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Proceed, then." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "No." shaken than I had ever seen him. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps evidence," I remarked. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." not, dad?" she asked. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would her also." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes You can understand that this register and diary may implicate done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the records." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." shoulder. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect opened the door, and slipped through. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from careless servant girl?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush national property. I was determined that the law should have its there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. sofa. This way, please!" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "On your arm?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most best detective that ever lived. leaning back in his chair. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, fatally injured? her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is again." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, is now desirous of getting those letters back." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the think that any burglar could have done. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "It surprised me." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal her also." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "It came here." "'And the work?' particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. furiously. back into the street. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had what do you think they found in the pockets?" "That is it on the dressing-table." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and not come at once?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us thought that she would have been so carried away." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert conversation I have gathered that they have been married about He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' could gather together that I was able to avert another public star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of them?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten his cane at the bell-pull. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "From his hat?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring