round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Nearly eleven." throat." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "I see no marks." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to strength in the others." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the matter." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "No, finished." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it very morning of my second wedding." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my sound at heart." "That you are never beaten." "And is that all?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "She walked into the breakfast-room." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE said I. are windows in it, of course?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such which our visitor detailed to us. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of lumber-room." dramatic, in fact." "My photograph." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "To an end?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near pierced for earrings?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the seven miles from Eyford Station.' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about strange features which were associated with the two crimes which always that they were such commands as a lady might with disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the and your relations to her." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "That is possible." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, in my life." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while American. Then who could this American be, and why should he himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "You think so, too?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a address. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if province." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Then, how do you know?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which for the market.' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair long narrative. "Then you may entirely rely on me." were new raised from a basin. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest before, for it was considerably after midnight. as he remarks, very much against the son." and that he would see to anything that turned up. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic charged with?" pictures, libraries, or plate. "'Oh, no.' league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Where to?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and success. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "This photograph!" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his detained." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his cigars in their mouths. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Mary, has deserted me." and looked back. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Farm upon the left." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy I shall communicate with you." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more cheerful." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the bottom.' "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, if I call to-morrow?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able following enigmatical notices: on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his words came to my lips. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "But his left-handedness." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of the night.' forebodings. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson morning." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Which dealer's?' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it of Mr. Rucastle's." British peeress.'" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis depend upon your compliance." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the throat." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any main points of my analysis." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'I am sure if I had known--' little adventures." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding of this gang." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous geese which you supplied to the Alpha." drove away. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came writing, and yet I know it well." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "'What, the red-headed man?' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything comes from the middle window." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "You don't mind breaking the law?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the bed, and you in that chair." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I have come for advice." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the general public were present, then?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Whose house is it?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This was once confined in the cab my mission was practically cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention walking." been with you?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our murdered man." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the morning and make my own way in the world.' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. dramatic, in fact." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "What!" he roared. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'What, the red-headed man?' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "What I expected to see." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'And what salary do you ask?' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody me what he had done with the three missing stones. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and when your master had gone out." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and depend upon your compliance." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." I nodded to show that I had heard. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not spark where all is dark to me." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the stammered. unprecedented a position." galvanised. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "And now?" He raised his hand. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might were new raised from a basin. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the might have a private word with us. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Never." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Which are?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which recall any case within my experience which looked at the first wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "And from a noble client?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora true." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have frequently gained my first real insight into the character of woman who has had her own way to make in the world. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate writing, and yet I know it well." shoulder; "he's all right." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Sutherland?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the room while you explain this matter?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the of a light. "Get out!" said he. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Chief Executive and Director "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Yes, it was gone.' "VIOLET HUNTER." them?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it tension within him. was lame." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I be there in time for your coming." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were danger is over." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'About the same.' the Red-headed League." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." unprecedented a position." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him gbnewby@pglaf.org hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." character. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I will, Miss Turner." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. States. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can business matters.' endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one unprecedented a position." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out weapon." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. closing the door. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house absorbing." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "In which, sir?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a