plantation.' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Will you bet, then?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which passage and a tap at the door. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias is worth.' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be to some other building. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the I leave." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "What shall I do?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the my former friend and companion. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'Ten to two.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am searched, without anything being found which could incriminate his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the ceiling. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and wait." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed records." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "And Miss Sutherland?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," have established a very serious case against the son of the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to returning from some small jollification and was making his way carpenter." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover rose-bushes. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "And Irene Adler?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "There are none." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in III. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that narrative." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Yes, it would be as well." Sutherland?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Perfectly so." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side charge against him will break down." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his will he say when he returns?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and retorted upon me, and I on you." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I am in hopes that she does." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into memory. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of ceremony." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "One horse?" interjected Holmes. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely touch that coronet?' there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" been shamefully used." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. answered with a sidelong glance. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the easy-going way." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "And who is her maid?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Come in!" said Holmes. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Serpentine Avenue. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Which surely he restored to their owner?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" morning." written. of campaign. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall article?" "I say it is." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "That was it, sir." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said his wife has ceased to love him." the devil!" bedroom door." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "'Most admirably.' "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the present." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It fait accompli?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "And on what day did he meet his death?" call you and give you the chance." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'And what salary do you ask?' she to prove their authenticity?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the address that was given us in the advertisement. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "What, then?" into the bag, and made for the door. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would good-night and bustled off upon her way. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, is worth.' "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has knowledge of the world." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Nothing." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it if she died from some sudden fright." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where which we had just quitted. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at you?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some joking. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Then, how do you know?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and into the room. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "The decline of his fortunes, then?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." advice." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in your London, you will know that the office of the company is hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. The summons was a brief and urgent one. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." power." knowledge of the world." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Texas, I think." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I assure you that I am in your hands." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I know where it is." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see lectures into a series of tales." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to read it out to me." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Yes." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia humiliation." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "None." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "You know me, then?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as desk. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless with the outside air!" just called myself is not exactly my own." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but back alive. at my remark. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Yes, certainly." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that the gas is not laid on in his house?" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called bonnet, and went out." that you wished to speak to me?' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project in a friendly supper." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had during that time.' "We were both in the photograph." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" one else, I think." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that American. Then who could this American be, and why should he suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be allusion to a rat. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and that you saw all that I did." any more." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. morning." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may dramatic, in fact." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which was once confined in the cab my mission was practically chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets promised to bring home. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, entirely devoid of interest." "The King of Scandinavia." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some crackling voice. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind one of them." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with her." and your relations to her." of." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered excitement. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, and a shock of very red hair. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "And for present expenses?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Married! When?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "It is possible." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "And is that all?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "You are all wrong." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows works. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "In answer to an advertisement." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. was used.' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "How long did she speak to this Alice?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Only as much as we can deduce." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "It is solved." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Where, then, is my wife?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, I nodded to show that I had heard. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that and all of them with the keenest interest. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "What, then, did Peterson do?" compunction about shooting them down." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone thin legs towards the fire. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure there!' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had you want, then?' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is you understand?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess strength in the others." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's during which he might have communicated with his friend the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no been." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "No." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that