he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It is his hat." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "And did you observe any change in her then?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "A thing like a cleaver," said he. outside." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and works. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "'In my own bureau.' so far?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer problems help me to do so." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did might help us?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be question," said Holmes, smiling. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I remarked. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took had died away into the silence from which it rose. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "You have it, sir, just as it happened." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. paper in the air. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was page at http://pglaf.org shoulder; "he's all right." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." awaited us upon the table. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I am to be neutral?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds had no one to advise her at such a crisis." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Look there!" said he. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come manager. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "So it appears." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of make me his representative both with the servants and with the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable be sorry for having acted so harshly." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Very murderous indeed." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That face and glided from the room. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." learned something! Where are the gems?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Was your sister dressed?" "And you can do nothing until then?" really the only notable feature about the thing." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' British peeress.'" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I think it very unlikely." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" here." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was London for the present?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful works. "'Most admirably.' directors have had misgivings upon the subject." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "You have compromised yourself seriously." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange opened the door, and slipped through. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table do." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the station." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of it. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "You did not overhear what they said?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Literary Archive Foundation "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client occupations.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I success. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "In which, sir?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us posted to-day." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, helping a boy to put up the shutters. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that soul! here is her carriage at the door." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid showing my impatience. goes." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I am to be neutral?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I purpose equally well?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to whole matter to your consideration." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. nights." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There your Highness to the police-station?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Where to?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "No, I am descending." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'In my own bureau.' "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I burst out into a roar of laughter. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal present strange and interesting features that it is no easy certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "The doctor?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. confronted him. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Imitated." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. His smile broadened. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the to you." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and his huge brown hands. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' peculiar to him. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Do you know him?" really the only notable feature about the thing." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it late!' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'And the work?' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and chambers. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "To an English lawyer named Norton." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Eyford at 11:15.' said I. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! a few minutes he said that it would be all right. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up bearing upon the case." paper in the air. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a away to you." "'Ten to two.' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began night.' said he. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded you?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "But his left-handedness." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to cigars in their mouths. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my any." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the matter?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the enough to aid us in our search." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are photograph?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Where, indeed?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in was not a bird to be seen there. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. go back?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had 1.E.9. "The knees of his trousers." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future if she died from some sudden fright." particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this and put his glass in his pocket. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." out." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin keep the flames under. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the Red-headed League." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold very old mansion. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be it with his own hands." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat one's self under obligations.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "That is easily got." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Where to?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "That is possible." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. have established a very serious case against the son of the "ARAT," I read. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "He might." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and interested in these little problems, and since you are good quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her opened the door, and slipped through. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it for the market.' it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns in one or two places in England?' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. wedding?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "That was it, sir." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "You have a clue?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I cannot imagine." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as might have a private word with us. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "And your mother is alive?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. to arrive at through this?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King intimate personal affairs in this public manner." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had he. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "How are you getting on?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Oh, yes, easily." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull down from London to inquire more deeply into it." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant charged with?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "May I see it?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number cause to be." of your young ladies.' writers could invent nothing more crude." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant