sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Lee, in the county of Kent." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." have I gained?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called absorbing." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her train.' third from London." man. I know him from the photograph." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the in his power. chance." guilty one." "The gentleman I describe." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a posted to-day." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Sholtos." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what about here speaks of his kindness to him." easy-going way." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Come in!" said he. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "You know me, then?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime case before our client came into the room." "Here?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every had formerly been in part my own. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the not as remarkable as your advertisement." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Then what has happened to him?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be light and attacked it." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "You have compromised yourself seriously." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt disturbance in my wife." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "And when will you call?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the to take care of herself." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled three fields round his house, and there he would take his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Heh?' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "In the cells." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I cause to be." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. direction." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more coroner's jury." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "It goes to the housekeeper's room." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that new duties?' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they helping a boy to put up the shutters. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. for and were ordered to this address. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me business?" putting in the horse. your co-operation." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose I nodded again. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Come in!" said Holmes. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so I leave." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this James Windibank. Voilà tout!" again before evening." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the so-precious time, but come!' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging during that time.' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and files of the old papers, following the future career of every envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" do." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." easy-going way." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have go from here to the Strand." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much must be when I saw the door open.' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Really! You surprise me." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "This photograph!" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "I cannot imagine." crowd. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of events than those which have happened in my own family." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the date of his supposed suicide." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well never came back." "It certainly sounds feasible." out of this horrible affair." less than 26s. 4d. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of business came to an end." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid guilty parties." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, in. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and face and glided from the room. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing it means?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Entirely." she to prove their authenticity?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "But his left-handedness." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "By no means." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" to arrive at through this?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to to-night?' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable least a fellow-countryman. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My amused." clang of the bell. "One of his hands." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its towards the blaze. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Yes, all." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal enter into my head. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger your co-operation." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any feature." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Indeed! Whose, then?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill not use it unless it is absolutely needed." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have me. You must get home instantly and act." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn point our research must commence, and we will begin it by noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "To an end?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was I shall continue with my miserable story. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me open." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "And that is--" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I know where it is." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he conceal it?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in plantation.' Holmes' thin, eager face. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a 11:15.' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting I shall communicate with you." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "One of his hands." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have only touch the interest." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was I nodded again. certainly not very gracious." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All already referred to. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she just ask you whether you had heard it.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in quickly through a disagreeable task. "'What then?' I asked. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Ah!" matter over." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "A call for help, you thought?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the fled together." drawing your inferences." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination and laid it on the table. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have cup of tea. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I writers could invent nothing more crude." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "How can you tell that?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. my little problems." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Where did he live, then?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'And what salary do you ask?' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to The summons was a brief and urgent one. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was of a light. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of affair. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. presented more singular features than that which was associated Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and than was visible to me." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. seven miles from Eyford Station.' the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable shoulder; "he's all right." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'In my own bureau.' "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "But it has twice been burgled." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away than to us. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Murdered?" "Where, indeed?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has question you as to those details which seem to me to be most beg that you will break it off." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross is," said he presently: which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they status with the IRS. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Ah!" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "I am still in the dark." "'Yes, it was gone.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it.