foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." followed. other lovers by making love himself." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Farm upon the left." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between I was concerned in it." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see roused himself from his reverie. redistribution. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It is possible." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." in the hope of finding them." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the strode off upon his way. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "To an English lawyer named Norton." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." him to go away.' be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the ashen face. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the coroner come to?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "No." Edgeware Road. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a think, you have already met." tell them apart.' least a most suspicious remark." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his But Holmes shook his head gravely. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Never to return." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "And it is--" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Texas, I think." the nursery. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'Yes.' down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "You are hungry," I remarked. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "What then?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something ago." "Was your sister dressed?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "So I heard. You have him here?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Dr. Becher's." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "It is very kind of you." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be for securing the situation." away into the river." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the him nearly every evening." during that time.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "'Entirely.' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been written, and locked the door of the office after me. "When did it break out?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that take the flies, but not before." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. redistribution. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the time." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his written. way: bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "It is true that I have been generally successful." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Stolen, then." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. followed. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "What of the rat, then?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man there were one or two details which were new to me. But the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, situation." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the night.' "My dear Holmes!" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little sake, don't!" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own walking." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "One of the highest in England." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The observed. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek laugh and put his lips to my ear. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Do you receive much company?" he asked. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we The summons was a brief and urgent one. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the enough to aid us in our search." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "It is no ordinary one." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "No legal papers or certificates?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "And how?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin way: very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Not in the least." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain in one or two places in England?' dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. someone who had been in Australia." "How many? I don't know." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds that really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "On your arm?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads eat it." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I cannot imagine." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than families. Now for the facts. neither fascinating nor artistic." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Where did he live, then?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' absorbing." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." sparkled upon his finger. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. if she died from some sudden fright." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the or in danger--" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the door?" depend upon your compliance." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. present." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending me. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "No legal papers or certificates?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or IS "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a breakfast." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not into the room. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and it need not interfere very much with one's other shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "The Coroner: What do you mean? however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "But his left-handedness." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was McCarthy." intrusion of other matters." "'I have already given you my word.' housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily jewels which you have stolen?' received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from woven round him. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in papers diligently of late, have you not?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Then you may be so with me." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might death." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and politicians who had been sent down from the North. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel prove to be little relation between the different incidents of to where he stood hid behind the curtain. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no business matters.' "Murdered?" "Yes, I have one waiting." which was all perfectly true. in the port of London." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called into the bag, and made for the door. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice such attractions and accomplishments?' the Assizes." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Yes, certainly." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." a room. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself conduct the inquiry." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, how narrow had been my escape. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" like gravel from a pit.' Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most or in danger--" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Have you her photograph?" been deceived." "I am armed." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "The King of Scandinavia." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "If I can be of use." outsides of the windows. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for photograph a cabinet?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'What then?' I asked. is four-and-twenty." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' clang of the bell. "My last client of the sort was a king." "Never." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the sufficient punishment." dates and names. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Game for a morning drive?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" that I am arrested." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." walking." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'Tell me all about it,' said I. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she until night should bring an explanation. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, I shall continue with my miserable story. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name was a lad." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Witness: Nothing definite. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was helping a boy to put up the shutters. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity."