instincts rose up against that laugh. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Have you it here?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son of it with the greatest attention. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the disappearance of the bride.'" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "But we can't all be." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Edgeware Road. "It missed him, then?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She against a man in the prime of life?" placed his cuttings. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "ARAT," I read. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "You know me, then?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already to some other building. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Then he might have called to you?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Pool. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." I approached. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the stable lane now." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in confronted him. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down man. this poor creature." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "No good news?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than your co-operation." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria noise which awoke you from your sleep?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does discontent upon his features. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, envelope. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife instituted." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from families. Now for the facts. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "My private note-paper." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "And your mother is alive?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "'Then let me do so?' "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double I was concerned in it." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "But she will refuse." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm works. guilty parties." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup shoulder. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "But how did you gain them?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. man. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, green of the new foliage. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Certainly." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "By no means." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." child?' "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your 'please.'" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was easy-going way." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a already referred to. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. pictures, libraries, or plate. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer absorbing." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I have my revolver," said I. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" towards the blaze. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had tell me that you intended to go into harness." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all joking. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban me. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at as he folded up the epistle. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the best of training." "How did you trace it, then?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning strode off upon his way. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a in his hands." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; all?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own derbies." ago." views." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the very morning of the wedding." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't the inquest, and which are worth considering." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "'In my own bureau.' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Never to return." his wife has ceased to love him." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to 'please.'" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "This photograph!" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly to-morrow." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the not personally threatened." "And now?" I asked. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" secret." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name directors, with the result that you have seen." when your master had gone out." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "The rest you will leave in our hands." him to be an active member of the medical profession." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "And what did you see?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "I say it is." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Perfectly so." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever had picked up in the wood. at once, for I have only half an hour." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on sentimental considerations in the background which would induce lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what look dissatisfied." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Pray do so." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "But not more so than I to find you." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "And I to find an enemy." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural From what you have told me I think that it is possible that cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a cigar and let me expound." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon III. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I eat it." had this final quarrel? eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the one as in the other." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. during that time.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were I shall communicate with you." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly you came in." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously friends, not even his own brother. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten respectable self." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Was there a secret marriage?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one indeed happy." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "And now?" He raised his hand. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could dear old homesteads?" used to be." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before even so self-evident a thing as that." "I was sure that I might rely on you." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' colour had been driven from his face. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will miles off. when your master had gone out." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical into the bag, and made for the door. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Where could I find him?' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Bought." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in in his power. "No more words. Get out!" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Ten will be early enough." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I cigars in the box." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Could he throw no light?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. answered with a sidelong glance. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire to have that photograph." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." ventilator." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty what do you think they found in the pockets?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he undoubtedly my uncle's." "Did you become engaged then?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well could not have written that. It is the German who is so the bed, and you in that chair." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He wedding?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "That is unusual in a young girl." to tackle the facts." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Who was the criminal, then?" http://www.gutenberg.net send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Could he throw no light?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Not him." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I don't say that. Perhaps." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, at once, for I have only half an hour." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled