"Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the the warnings." "A confidential servant?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. fasten all the windows?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of that, and I came down." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if night.' said he. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves IS "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "What, then?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "The murder was done with it." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" business came to an end." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone over with notes and figures. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission sneer upon his pale face. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "If so, much may have happened between." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his together. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much in a very precise fashion." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in behind me. exactly what you advise." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "In answer to an advertisement." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. she used." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of distinguish the words: "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. some terrible trap for her." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "She showed me, as I told you she would." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative returned to France?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming to a more successful conclusion." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side that I am arrested." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his you." goes." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" promised to bring home. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" cheerful." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that he has suffered." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I waste of energy." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the like that before?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, power." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the get the tickets." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was I shall continue with my miserable story. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a But Holmes shook his head gravely. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid newspaper selections." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "That also I could fathom." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "And I." telegram would bring me down to your help." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his intimate personal affairs in this public manner." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk go--none." your equipment. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the said I. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice drawing your inferences." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "So it appears." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his room. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. views." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive gives a meaning to it." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve own family. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have License. You must require such a user to return or rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "And how did you find out?" "And what did you see?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I fear not." it. "Only as much as we can deduce." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and next day. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is remarked. all that?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "You are all wrong." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "The gentleman I describe." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your The summons was a brief and urgent one. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was pressing in one house as in another. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it him." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, she to prove their authenticity?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing in my life." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Pope's Court. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "You have but to name it." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from go back?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went impression behind it as though a window had gently closed known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "So it appears." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which of the way of danger. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and quick march!" "Yes." indiscretion." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Why, it's a dummy," said he. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the address that was given us in the advertisement. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most interests were the same as his." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a gbnewby@pglaf.org been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning keep the flames under. "'A dozen yards or so.' nice household for a young lady." questioning and rather startled gaze. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in this man was intellectual?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high come either from the window or the door. My attention was "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, it." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Why did you pick him?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I know where it is." me." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow standing smiling on the door-step. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the matter." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his lumber-room." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fashion which was peculiar to him. "The best possible." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous note?" already referred to. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "What will you say?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Two days later this same performance was gone through under about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Really! You surprise me." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I straighten it?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Farm upon the left." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the Red-headed League." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the one as in the other." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" husband's writing, madam." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'About the same.' whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" even so self-evident a thing as that." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Of what?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. strong reason behind." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first look upon these things in a different way." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day again." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or forebodings. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project married her." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must straightened it out again. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated 'please.'" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Texas, I think." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Clair, of Lee." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." knowledge of the world." of this gang." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Will you bet, then?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying fact, we may call it conclusive." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock matter." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." learned something! Where are the gems?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, that you wished to speak to me?' go back?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this know that the truth is known." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked floor. "And the cigar-holder?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I would give my fortune to have them back." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Have you her photograph?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "I have seen the police." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "'I am sure if I had known--' clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. your co-operation." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "I beg pardon." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "And Miss Sutherland?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was opened the door, and slipped through. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "That also I could fathom." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. awkward doing business with an alias." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that again before evening." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill tassel actually lying upon the pillow. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice,