"Has he come with you to-night?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of one of them." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to his huge brown hands. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Have you good authority for what you say?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated third from London." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. sound at heart." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Your sister is dead, then?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard leaning back in his chair. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "The knees of his trousers." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Very much so." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or redistribution. "The Cedars?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Thank you. Pray proceed." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "I am in hopes that she does." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." he bowed and left the room without another word. "And from a noble client?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Surrey." the south-west, I see." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against next day. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me done what I asked you, Jones?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." you understand?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at very old mansion. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by individual and becomes the badge of a society." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' ordinary clothes on?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "What do you mean?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Count Von Kramm." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he to-night's adventure." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "But how?" is," said he presently: Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback to affect your life." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just do." "And for present expenses?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "What will you do, then?" "Was he the only applicant?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Yes." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed awkward doing business with an alias." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Project Gutenberg-tm works. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that photograph?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "What of the rat, then?" British peeress.'" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking questioning and rather startled gaze. Leadenhall Street--and--" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is will take you up to see the machine.' "Then how many are there?" "Stolen." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the know what is wrong with it.' hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Who by?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I never have." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent companion quietly. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "No." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he beg that you will break it off." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "It surprised me." note?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you narrative." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the all-comprehensive glances. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of was already answered. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I a monotonous occupation." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "So it appears." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "But I am all in the dark." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Sutherland. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return use an arc-and-compass breastpin." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be locked." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this nonsense.' that joking. locked." mystery." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had will be renamed. the south-west, I see." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Which surely he restored to their owner?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." to-night?" I asked. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed to where he stood hid behind the curtain. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Where to?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been trying to your nerves." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really money should be paid at once.' window when the police appeared." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we I nodded again. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far hurried by. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after for and were ordered to this address. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from during which he might have communicated with his friend the memory. it." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Yes." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of charge against him will break down." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "But you have hopes?" and looked back. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "And how have you succeeded?" "You were travelling in the States?" pound a week." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the carried out of court." have established a very serious case against the son of the rooms." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the hurried by. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of man. I know him from the photograph." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I that he has suffered." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and London for the present?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of place of silver." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, should be taken.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and files of the old papers, following the future career of every rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "We must sit without light. He would see it through the south, for the country is more deserted there." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous lips." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since gbnewby@pglaf.org "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "So I heard. You have him here?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "It is a murder, then?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the details." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the house with me." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life said I. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is woman who has had her own way to make in the world. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a again." Sholtos." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and generous with you in money matters.' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect thought that she would have been so carried away." call for it in person on Monday morning.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said derbies." "Pray do so." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "One horse?" interjected Holmes. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "No, distinctly professional." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." come either from the window or the door. My attention was cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who new acquaintance to Baker Street. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "But she could not love him." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "And what then?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of such attractions and accomplishments?' son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Why? What do you mean?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, is acting for the best. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but better in every way that they should make their position a little generous with you in money matters.' villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Holmes. look upon these things in a different way." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and sufficient punishment." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. in him." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still tightly behind him. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "No, my brougham is waiting." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I say it is." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Nothing." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Precisely." anything to do with the matter?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I fear not." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" questionable one." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been was a perfect sample of the class. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had see a sister of mine apply for." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "That is possible." legal crime." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some ashen face. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a national property. I was determined that the law should have its When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without off." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to himself. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save colonel looking down at me. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it woven round him. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes rose-bushes. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project matter." redistribution. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, I approached. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a