"You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered as he folded up the epistle. cause to be." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to lectures into a series of tales." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Very. But will he see it?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Chief Executive and Director over part of the map. "What do you read?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but results." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'I shall certainly be there.' in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "My dear Holmes!" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of where we are going." "None." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' my room." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your arms and began to sob in a high treble key. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the roots. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my wanted for ourselves." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's which are rolled in Rotterdam." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "You have compromised yourself seriously." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his that I can to serve you." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Very murderous indeed." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Yes." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "No good news?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen wife's character?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit noble correspondent could be. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day flock.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small your own bird, so if you wish--" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Yes." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. just ask you whether you had heard it.' shall use the carriage to-night." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "By all means." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture felt?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished more solid." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and with some details as to your case." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and is acting for the best. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who ago." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful which it had come upon my father." "To an English lawyer named Norton." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely chemical work which was so dear to him. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Literary Archive Foundation "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into posted to-day." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "That you are never beaten." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its unprecedented a position." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's I shall continue with my miserable story. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "No. What a strange idea!" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the morning." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else must compliment you." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, was lame." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as silent! Oh, he will be silent!' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when you." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you intrusion of other matters." strength of mind to control. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "What is it, then--a fire?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "How many? I don't know." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "BALLARAT." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It is his hat." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and least a fellow-countryman. II. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the dangers which encompass me." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have mystery!" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "And who is her maid?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Well?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my been able to understand it, in a very few words. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue lectures into a series of tales." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "And the cigar-holder?" never to learn it at all." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "What then?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of miles off. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' your Highness to the police-station?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. London for the present?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the dangers which encompass me." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as cigars in their mouths. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call made him keep the appointment." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all pressing in one house as in another. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As James Windibank. Voilà tout!" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE new acquaintance to Baker Street. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As you." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "You think so, too?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill three fields round his house, and there he would take his wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's ashen face. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that locked. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "And you can do nothing until then?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man in darkness. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "That also I could fathom." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an villagers almost as much as their master. death." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the up this clue while it is still hot." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I promise," said Holmes. past. fluttered off among the others. "10th. John Swain cleared. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "I do." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Street. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us handed it to him. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep outsides of the windows. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a heavy and sharp instrument." "Witness: Nothing definite. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon suspect him." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with passage and a tap at the door. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "We must have a cab." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I you want, then?' down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually particular state visit http://pglaf.org All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us fear." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. late." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in like gravel from a pit.' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "No, but the enclosure is." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and inquire as to the address." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "9th. McCauley cleared. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "He is still with you, I presume?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a thin legs towards the fire. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, at my remark. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Holmes' face clouded over. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "That is also quite modern," said the lady. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Dr. Gregory B. Newby and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and imbecility!" he cried. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." emerged. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were to a more successful conclusion." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. empty. all that?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one place of silver." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. in darkness. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I