"They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not I. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you his forehead." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with remarked. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it was a lad." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "He said too much." the coroner come to?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I am all attention, madam." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project he died? "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which south, for the country is more deserted there." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white peculiar to him. "One?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was you." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "It is possible." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Quite so. She has her freedom." placed his cuttings. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Here?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'Then let me do so?' wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" charged with?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. call it cruel." towards the blaze. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that sake, don't!" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "And what did you learn from him?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried matters immensely." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was The summons was a brief and urgent one. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I cannot tell." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural knowledge of the world." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will what I may call a really hard day's work." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this drawing your inferences." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which I nodded to show that I had heard. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time likely to be some crony of the landlady's." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "And the murderer?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the DISSOLVED. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. highroad, where all traces were lost. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Whose house is it?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one way in." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He was feeling which was the fattest.' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. least a most suspicious remark." coroner's jury." Pool. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just with some details as to your case." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. works. See paragraph 1.E below. joking. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" charge against him will break down." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "A thing like a cleaver," said he. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It have had none more fantastic than this." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "It missed him, then?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' looking up at the numbers of the houses." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE useful material for showing traces. The double line a little him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked me, and I could not think that his explanation of the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the room while you explain this matter?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in call the police, let the police find what they can.' ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a to tackle the facts." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Holmes." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Look there!" said he. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping gives a meaning to it." pound a week." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Dr. Becher's." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature beyond words. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would he bowed and left the room without another word. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I was sure that I might rely on you." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and mystery." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "By no means." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and your relations to her." photograph?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at that I can to serve you." come either from the window or the door. My attention was then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "I am in hopes that she does." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing over here." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of on re-entering her father's house?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Then let me do so?' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "What are they?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so DAMAGE. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "In the cells." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to little trying to do so much typewriting?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I compunction about shooting them down." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Here?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "In the cells." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "You saw the ventilator, too?" she used." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of matters immensely." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My digesting their breakfasts at home." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. was already answered. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon you in your example." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole is so. I know all about McCarthy." where we are going." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must that I can to serve you." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "None." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a views." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting breakfast." that you saw all that I did." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the nursery. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the to tell." him, that man would not have given me such complete information They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'I have already given you my word.' mystery!" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, you." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence exactly what you advise." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been the Red-headed League." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his case before our client came into the room." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Absolutely none." was keenly on my guard against him. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third with you alone." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful tied." You want to know what became of those geese?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was me, and I could not think that his explanation of the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project down in his armchair and closing his eyes. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the happened." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend his fortune, and I went back to pa. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "And you don't know his address?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows what I may call a really hard day's work." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'Ten to two.' husband's writing, madam." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting his cane at the bell-pull. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" approach us with offers to donate. my friend's incisive reasoning. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I should like to see him very much." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular rat could hardly pass through." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Yesterday." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "It looks newer than the other things?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of late!' mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "In heaven's name, what for?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself down. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon my room." "My dear Holmes!" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a against a man in the prime of life?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned