charged with?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are never came back." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive walking." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet our word." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Of what day?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from habit of advancing money.' that he will be back before evening." "Do you know him?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached any little problem which you may submit to me." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question to Leatherhead. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, of campaign. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "It came here." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Why did you pick him?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the his knees, staring into the fire. few hundred pounds.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael returning from some small jollification and was making his way collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to take care of herself." "And why in hopes?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Of what?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you from you?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "By all means." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And was not a bird to be seen there. your only hope of safety." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Not particularly." "But his lameness?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "You saw the ventilator, too?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "It surprised me." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and some terrible trap for her." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, you do it in twenty minutes!' firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that some terrible trap for her." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had of fine shops and stately business premises that they really during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "And did you observe any change in her then?" this as likely?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never correct than the official force." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Yes, sir." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "It is a murder, then?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door room had already been engaged for us. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting any." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges delighted to hear it," he said. "Could he throw no light?" next day. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I have my revolver," said I. him, that man would not have given me such complete information strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the window, rose as we entered. hardly wander." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of clanging. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "But she could not love him." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal page at http://pglaf.org window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a never to learn it at all." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in must compliment you." "The rest you will leave in our hands." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must father's young wife. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "But what is it you wish?" "Deserted you?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Just look it up, then." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Which are?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not them?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It goes to the housekeeper's room." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "From his hat?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a one of the states of the Union." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses outbreak?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Come in!" said Holmes. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the off." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the comes from the middle window." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "My opinion is in no way altered." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that success. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "BALLARAT." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Where is it, then?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "How are you getting on?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Certainly." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "But the mystery?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "To an end?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Project Gutenberg-tm works. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'You cannot say what it was?' "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there British peeress.'" "Certainly, madam." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at seen the man in the road." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray past. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is had this final quarrel? after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I careless servant girl?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Indeed! Whose, then?" instituted." compunction about shooting them down." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from three of the beryls in it, was missing. article?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "She told me to ask you." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "One?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "I shall most certainly do so." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "You forget that I know nothing about it." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a was it brought him the coronet? handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper crowd. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Leadenhall Street--and--" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the stable lane now." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the secret." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps outsides of the windows. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive said I. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this other means.' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall have one." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white useful material for showing traces. The double line a little since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I fuss that is made over them." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I deduce something from that?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Eh? What was that?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I to-night's adventure." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable residence of the great financier. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the for and were ordered to this address. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy distance from the station, and there we found the young lady James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." depend upon your compliance." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." fasten all the windows?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my that?' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Clair, of Lee." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There read it out to me." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "That also I could fathom." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Your French gold?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the from you?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had which was all perfectly true. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I should be immensely obliged to you." "About a month then." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. hour." the salesman. "I see no marks." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the coronet in his hands?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." works. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait status with the IRS. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the there is a decided draught." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "But she will refuse." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to arrive at through this?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of