our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted corner of the building. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I will try. What is it?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "But I am all in the dark." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small way: Chief Executive and Director "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I have come for advice." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and have this put in the evening papers." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do that you saw all that I did." through." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." been deceived." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. of." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Could he throw no light?" "What have you to say now?" not fit the lock." kind enough to tell me what I should do." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. go back?" have got?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business cup of tea. bird I ate is country bred." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the ceiling. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those strength." remarked. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' people in all walks of life. Chief Executive and Director arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "But what harm can there be in that?" prisoner's face. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "That was it, sir." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the unclasping of his long thin hands. "Not social, then?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was prison!" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his present." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big way in everything. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not my friend's incisive reasoning. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. were unconscious?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there way in." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Yes, the wine-cellar." "How did you deduce the select?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "I have solved it." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the there in twenty minutes." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "He might." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had suspect him." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent III. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Here?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far said Mr. Holder. to surprise her." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "In which, sir?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a congenial hunt. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. national property. I was determined that the law should have its happened." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "But what is it you wish?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Then you may be so with me." "It's nothing of the kind." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, writing, and yet I know it well." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will States. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "What then?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of awkward doing business with an alias." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "By no means." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly entirely devoid of interest." business?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four served to weaken the effect. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event matter." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Why did you pick him?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the one as in the other." open." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I promise," said Holmes. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Why serious?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Here?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for was feeling which was the fattest.' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "What are they?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by are windows in it, of course?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the running down." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though despair." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards way in everything. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Who by?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the business?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that you in yours." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered geese which you supplied to the Alpha." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet lids now and glanced across at his visitor. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your whatever might befall. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a IS among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Yes, I promise.' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "It is a murder, then?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to until night should bring an explanation. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "It is solved." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Perfectly so." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Her father is very rich?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a which our visitor detailed to us. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "You will not go there first?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Have you good authority for what you say?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "What do you mean?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over speckled band?" "If so, much may have happened between." "'Quite sure, dad.' "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Then he might have called to you?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door companion. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this in a very precise fashion." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Not in a good cause." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may thought that she would have been so carried away." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to conduct the inquiry." "You have but to name it." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been any more." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and in a very precise fashion." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made danger is over." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he London for the present?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my within hail.' Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Was he the only applicant?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. of this gang." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "I would give my fortune to have them back." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, before the coroner and the police-court." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be was the fact that his father should, according to his account, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, away into the river." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Oh, the cause is excellent!" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "So I heard. You have him here?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Will you go?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was sufficient punishment." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "What do you mean?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Do you go out much in society?" "Have you her photograph?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it secret." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "That is unusual in a young girl." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears them, and came down just as you departed. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It thought that she would have been so carried away." your Highness to the police-station?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "By no means." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of a suggestive one." outside. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock is," said he presently: Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with but preventing her from injuring another.