"Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he as the one I chose?' quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Which dealer's?' 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "And your mother is alive?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly in my life." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in horse could go." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "What can it mean?" I gasped. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his lost his Christmas dinner." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and files of the old papers, following the future career of every chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I meanly of me." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Stoke Moran." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court presented which may be striking and bizarre without being but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little lamp. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part sake, don't!" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Never,' said I. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'Ample.' I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "9th. McCauley cleared. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "How can you tell that?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of his shoulders. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. obstinate." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. least a most suspicious remark." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Countess of Morcar's?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "And I." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Holmes rather sternly. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "What will you do, then?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'Yes, sir.' Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. tell him that I know him to be innocent." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'Most admirably.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "It's nothing of the kind." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "There is the writing." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Sutherland. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "She told me to ask you." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the giving me time to thank him. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "No good news?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there sake, don't!" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Your French gold?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I lost his Christmas dinner." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire certainly not very gracious." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever success. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet yet." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears lamp. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." cheerful." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Who by?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His to Leatherhead. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was But Holmes shook his head gravely. father's young wife. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would think that any burglar could have done. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "VIOLET HUNTER." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting train.' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "And Miss Sutherland?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "You think that he is dead?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it introspective fashion. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I should wish to." the Assizes." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "But she could not love him." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I should be so warm over such a trifle." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." approach us with offers to donate. I think that I could be of assistance to you." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried hurried away. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Perhaps I have." "And why in hopes?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it hard-headed British jury." following enigmatical notices: bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, this man was intellectual?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "It is very kind of you." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in would then never go into court at all." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of towards the blaze. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "How many? I don't know." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "I cannot say that I have." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "How did that help you?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every time." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the for the market.' Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging troubles have been weighing upon his mind. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Entirely." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" death." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you you want, then?' "I do." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "In the cells." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off troubles have been weighing upon his mind. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Yes, sir." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "You have the photograph?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the written. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Was he the only applicant?" "Just look it up, then." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced one which it was hard to resist. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, forebodings. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a villagers almost as much as their master. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "No, my brougham is waiting." "But she will refuse." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Eh? What was that?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." question. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a meant." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "To ruin me." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "No bad?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my villagers almost as much as their master. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "No, I think that I'll take it." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is American. Then who could this American be, and why should he back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say neither fascinating nor artistic." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough room had already been engaged for us. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said friends, not even his own brother. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Yes." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Of what?" least a most suspicious remark." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. I nodded to show that I had heard. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. had formerly been in part my own. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who in one or two places in England?' old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated like gravel from a pit.' still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I would give my fortune to have them back." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it cigars in their mouths. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Stolen." followed. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Foundation same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, rose-bushes. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in nice household for a young lady." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' name is different." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning or in danger--" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose just called myself is not exactly my own." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this quite distinctive." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole me." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked results." shoulder. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack that I am arrested." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and copied or distributed: prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I would pay ten." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Have you her photograph?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "What shall I do?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, call the police, let the police find what they can.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in to-night?' bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for and all of them with the keenest interest. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. persecution?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open figure." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out fashion which was peculiar to him. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a chamber." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that everything which you would wish to know." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "And when will you call?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is standing smiling on the door-step.