this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "If so, much may have happened between." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." husband's writing, madam." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, galvanised. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the south-west, I see." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder fashion which was peculiar to him. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive eat it." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a you, my dear young lady?' cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows do." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "And when will you call?" "Yes. He waved his hands." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, away to you." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and which our visitor detailed to us. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "I cannot say that I have." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. remarked. galvanised. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "We have tried and failed." "I know where it is." as noiselessly as she had come. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a dates and names. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Very much so." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice ourselves in the office." "You have a clue?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "How are you getting on?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to a more successful conclusion." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'Very good.' was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, tell him that I know him to be innocent." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from trifles." place no limit on the sum I may draw." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in mystery may be cleared along those lines." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the bed, and you in that chair." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by opportunities to fix the problem. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'What then?' I asked. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Breckinridge is his name." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's populous neighbourhood." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & it were putty." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know certainly do as you advise." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Leave Paddington by the 11:15." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'Where to?' every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. again, where I was soon asleep. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Never." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Yes. He waved his hands." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Cross for the Continent." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And seem to you to be relevant or not." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and your troubles." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. strength in the others." cause to be." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably frequently gained my first real insight into the character of delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a and inquire as to the address." business matters.' "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. straighten it?" "I cannot tell." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "It must be recovered." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed never will be, entirely cleared up. "To the police?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should over part of the map. "What do you read?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring brain must have something in it." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, I approached. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, woman." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was have got?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her begin with, and I had not got mine yet." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover him and tried to hold him back. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "And when will you call?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should wanted for ourselves." "How are you getting on?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." both be extremely obliged.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the stable lane now." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle there." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little remarked. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Yes." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by completely overtopped every other consideration that we both purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It is possible." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Never." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Precisely so. But how--" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a in his power. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before October 9, 1890. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a affection." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the kindly on the shoulder. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. License. You must require such a user to return or come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I guessed as much." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do she might be summoned. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence have I gained?" know what is wrong with it.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was habit of advancing money.' voice, changing her seat as requested. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a to that open window." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "You have a clue?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "I am to be neutral?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "No. What a strange idea!" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do your equipment. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I don't say that. Perhaps." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution in him." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in knowledge of the world." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Not him." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "But I am all in the dark." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I to some other building. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set certainly not very gracious." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "10th. John Swain cleared. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we to take care of herself." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Then you may be so with me." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "If I can be of use." tell me that you intended to go into harness." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "What have you to say now?" case-book, which he consulted. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the warnings." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "'Certainly not.' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and I shall be with you presently." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Very much so." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, discontent upon his features. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, at once, for I have only half an hour." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable suspect him." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the crowd. might help us?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. night.' said he. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, is worth.' reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Married! When?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Not yet." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and think that he is innocent?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there murdered man." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. to change my dress. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be London for the present?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little quite distinctive." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa to take care of herself." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "What can it mean?" I gasped. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further really the only notable feature about the thing." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Leave Paddington by the 11:15." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign and shall probably return to London by the evening train." was lame." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face his face. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'Never,' said I. of it with the greatest attention. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "You will not go there first?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'Then let me do so?' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Nor running a chance of arrest?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "But she could not love him." go from here to the Strand." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I bare slabs of marble. least a fellow-countryman. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "The knees of his trousers." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is villagers almost as much as their master. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our