have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of this poor creature." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I gbnewby@pglaf.org hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met for and were ordered to this address. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. closely." as this. Pray let me have the details." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle confronted him. 11:15.' in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the general public were present, then?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in are windows in it, of course?" in this way: "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may once more for Briony Lodge. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he we went to search for him, face downward in a little weary and pale-looking. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, photograph a cabinet?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Yes." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Was he the only applicant?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in you understand?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Eh? What was that?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Holmes' thin, eager face. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired 11:15.' before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I cannot tell." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the that you can jump it.' so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "You horrify me." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "How on earth--" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "It is true that I have been generally successful." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue outside. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "It is half-past ten now." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a ventilator." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." other, as fresh and trim as possible. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more of receipt of the work. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Is he quiet?" strength of mind to control. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "It was." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "And sit in the dark?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." whatever might befall. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three closing the door. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the running down." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white kind enough to tell me what I should do." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers neither fascinating nor artistic." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Holmes, the busybody!" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another may have an influence upon European history." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." strength of mind to control. strong and stiff." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Yes, only one." present." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment been deceived." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Yes, it would be as well." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was your only hope of safety." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he how narrow had been my escape. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Very much so." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Why, what do you mean?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and cigars in their mouths. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' been with you?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out eat it." get the tickets." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at open." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope beyond words. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what tell them apart.' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his gentleman's clothes. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I beg pardon." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which was feeling which was the fattest.' fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their despair." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who said I. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who business matters.' "What of the rat, then?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Why serious?" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "The best possible." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. his face. business matters.' have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. stepfather?" or other trace. But how on earth--" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident photograph?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked highly," said Holmes. "VIOLET HUNTER." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have for securing the situation." formed some opinion?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was tapping his fingers upon the table. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Henry Baker is a member." "No, I had a dozen." the ceiling. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew children over to America with him, so that I found myself without words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you For additional contact information: man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "No, my brougham is waiting." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Where, then?" I shall continue with my miserable story. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to and glanced through. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your vanished into the darkness. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, keep the flames under. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire yourselves in at night?" "He is dead," cried several voices. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a eat it." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is in this note: manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'I am sure if I had known--' considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that walking." indeed happy." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a what these perils are?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Witness: I must still refuse. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it as noiselessly as she had come. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so colonel looking down at me. "Only as much as we can deduce." have established a very serious case against the son of the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and awkward doing business with an alias." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, before the coroner and the police-court." was a loud and authoritative tap. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I them present such singular features as the strange train of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the written, and locked the door of the office after me. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train power." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Not in a good cause." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "But we can't all be." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Who by?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I don't say that. Perhaps." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "I see many objections to any such theory." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. annoyance, but no jest. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. my former friend and companion. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" there!' us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" seen the man in the road." were wasted." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked dear old homesteads?" highroad, where all traces were lost. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together companion. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my to take care of herself." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "But his left-handedness." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "You horrify me!" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as him nearly every evening." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Holmes rather sternly. went to the Alpha were town bred." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "What will you say?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own chamber." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it meanly of me." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until I shall communicate with you." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right