Stoke Moran." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or his cane at the bell-pull. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium I took the paper from him and read as follows: "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to throat." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be new duties?' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained tell me that you intended to go into harness." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Yes, only one." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Foundation society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a of your young ladies.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have fluttered off among the others. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "She showed me, as I told you she would." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I been deceived." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "The vanishing of the lady." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Not in the least." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I his eyes and forehead. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Why did you pick him?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Dr. Becher's." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. companion. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when there." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "An accident, I presume?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without I leave." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent again, where I was soon asleep. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "No, finished." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately there!' that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "What can you not understand?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the inquest, and which are worth considering." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs this poor creature." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Dirty?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the coronet at all injured?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Pool. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen at a side door. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she seven miles from Eyford Station.' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the tragedy. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "What of the rat, then?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "But I am all in the dark." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the any." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two time." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major him!" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have go--none." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'I am sure if I had known--' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. compunction about shooting them down." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "What!" he roared. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "And from a noble client?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'Ten to two.' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just behind me. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "He might." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "And when will you call?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with in the dead of the night?' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Holmes rather sternly. him to be an active member of the medical profession." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when conclusions. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the bare slabs of marble. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK society." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "No, I think that I'll take it." beg that you will break it off." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "There are none." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous power." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be strong and stiff." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely British peeress.'" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy tied." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me examination of the premises, but without finding anything which and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I am about to be married." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable works. See paragraph 1.E below. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "It came here." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Breckinridge is his name." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I will not look." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I have my revolver," said I. from you?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was when your master had gone out." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at memory. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "What then?" voice, changing her seat as requested. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "You forget that I know nothing about it." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the something of him before." "No sign of it?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "What I expected to see." business at Coburg Square is serious." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your room had already been engaged for us. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "One?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my have an American origin." became a certainty. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further annoyance, but no jest. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Not in the least." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'Is purely nominal.' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "The rest you will leave in our hands." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat prisoner's face. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to never to learn it at all." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The experiences." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'Certainly not.' written. him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained think that he is innocent?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Eyford at 11:15.' if she died from some sudden fright." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations fear." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you child?' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Where could I find him?' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Foundation "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "But you have hopes?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "But what is it you wish?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "She walked into the breakfast-room." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much window when the police appeared." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is sparkled upon his finger. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." face and glided from the room. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose answered with a sidelong glance. Mary, has deserted me." room?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "And is that all?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "And sit in the dark?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us washing it down with a long draught of water. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from wife's character?" "Stolen." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered ashen face. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed locked." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "How on earth--" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and