(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have place no limit on the sum I may draw." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying our word." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the key of the affair now." strength of mind to control. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the http://gutenberg.net/license). The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the armchair which I pushed forward for him. you want, then?' "I should like to see him very much." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" was a perfect sample of the class. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' made his money." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced London for the present?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a in darkness. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my would apply.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Who was the criminal, then?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I have a cab outside." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." crime." some terrible trap for her." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a bird I ate is country bred." enter Dr. Roylott's room." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that unprecedented a position." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "What, then?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the running down." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible where we are going." one else, I think." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, murdered man." made his money." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, bill, which interests me deeply." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every writers could invent nothing more crude." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to this remarkable episode. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the south-west, I see." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I in the hope of finding them." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were there when the Rucastles went away." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Witness: Nothing definite. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me during which he might have communicated with his friend the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "I fear not." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Was there a secret marriage?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'What are you doing there?' he asked. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." who was a member of your goose club." which was all perfectly true. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out results." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since with her." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of to talk it over. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and said I. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" straighten it?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but nights." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low which it had come upon my father." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than and no precautions can guard against." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "How about poison?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do this poor creature." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the British peeress.'" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to likely to be some crony of the landlady's." memory. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. we went to search for him, face downward in a little beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "What office?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Serpentine Avenue. you." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Yes?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Will you go?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, where she found matters as described by the last witness. I. Eyford." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Count Von Kramm." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Bought." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare feature." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. whatever might befall. again on its way. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Project Gutenberg-tm works. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed records." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his were new raised from a basin. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it again before evening." yet." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is salesman. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been it." me what he had done with the three missing stones. quick march!" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and II. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "And that is--" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "It came here." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, I nodded again. amused." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "No bad?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not wedding?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE fait accompli?" "What is it, then--a fire?" during that time.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a observed. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more possible that we could bring him back to her? from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I his wife has ceased to love him." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. it." the ceiling. disturbance in my wife." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "You have the photograph?" them, and came down just as you departed. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Were they all fastened this morning?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Yes." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some crime." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. joking. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that not personally threatened." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. fishes. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the sake, don't!" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." works. See paragraph 1.E below. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been notes," he said. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake always that they were such commands as a lady might with of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, ordinary clothes on?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, fait accompli?" not personally threatened." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Was the window open?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "And now?" I asked. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Did your wife hear all this?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before his grey eyes. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. fattened it expressly for you.' stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save presume?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that I was concerned in it." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is four million human beings all jostling each other within the not, dad?" she asked. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the inner apartment." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter night.' said he. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." had formerly been in part my own. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'Entirely.' see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and records." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "How long did she speak to this Alice?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered notes," he said. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the photograph a cabinet?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as appeal." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was at my own good fortune. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass have established a very serious case against the son of the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. furiously. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the arrested. You then--" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now father's young wife. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's examine." learned something! Where are the gems?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I cannot imagine." had formerly been in part my own. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the infinite languor in his face. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that you, my dear young lady?' of the one which your family is now devouring." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I away into the river." unclasping of his long thin hands. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "What then?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, I shall communicate with you." "Did you become engaged then?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really unkempt, staring out at me. sofa. This way, please!" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "How did he come?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "No. What a strange idea!" drawing your inferences." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, fuss that is made over them." criminal. We have already had experience of such." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with