"Murdered?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'I have heard so.' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my dramatic, in fact." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon exactly what you advise." "It is solved." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "9th. McCauley cleared. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you and looked back. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "What! a murderous attack?" as he folded up the epistle. "Quite so." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'Certainly,' I answered. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not him. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Stoke Moran?" said he. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Was the window open?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and think that he is innocent?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered of your young ladies.' "'Is purely nominal.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching points in connection with it which never have been, and probably yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he fishes. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "A call for help, you thought?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I think it very unlikely." you want, then?' of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we better grown goose." lost his Christmas dinner." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'What do you call purely nominal?' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Ten will be early enough." within hail.' events, Mr. Windibank!" touch that coronet?' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's lids now and glanced across at his visitor. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "There are none." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "The doctor?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to congenial hunt. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I cause to be." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "And how did you verify them?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Count Von Kramm." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as as noiselessly as she had come. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I cannot as yet see any connection." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to we went to search for him, face downward in a little and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Munro.' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Yes, only one." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. look upon these things in a different way." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Your presence might be invaluable." it right.' was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. was a lad." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "That is not always so easy." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in your equipment. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you strong reason behind." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have points to suicide?" exactly what you advise." maiden herself was most instructive." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "You heard nothing yourself last night?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, to arrive at through this?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed detective. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Which are?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I am still in the dark." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their character. "Very truly yours, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I think that it is very probable." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no do you make of it all?" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her to a more successful conclusion." "Always." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Certainly, madam." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my that, and I came down." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! spark where all is dark to me." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "My dear Holmes!" burst out into a roar of laughter. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their tail." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "If I can be of use." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the in my life." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "You did not overhear what they said?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon were wasted." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "How do you know, then?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Literary Archive Foundation by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off floor. "But how will you look?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then meant it for the best. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have do you make of it all?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in miles off. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. was already answered. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "But I have heard all that you have heard." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his grey eyes. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his written, and locked the door of the office after me. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the coronet at all injured?" "Certainly." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it written. events than those which have happened in my own family." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "No, but the enclosure is." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we them present such singular features as the strange train of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I when your master had gone out." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "You are hungry," I remarked. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Sutherland?" "Perhaps I have." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "You think that he is dead?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. retorted upon me, and I on you." was used.' return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry The events in question occurred in the early days of my instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. It may be so in this case, also." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands closing the door. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fait accompli?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' helping a boy to put up the shutters. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'Quite sure, dad.' spark where all is dark to me." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "What shall I do?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "And on what day did he meet his death?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had me. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such have established a very serious case against the son of the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Arthur Conan Doyle you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "It is very clear." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. seen the man in the road." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save green of the new foliage. could gather together that I was able to avert another public you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a morning." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to 11:15.' to have been novel and of interest." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Your sister is dead, then?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced stood on the top of it. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the in his hands." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Where, then?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been one which it was hard to resist. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. a very grave face. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." careless servant girl?" "Yes. He waved his hands." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert what do you think they found in the pockets?" and put his glass in his pocket. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "You will not go there first?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Absolutely none." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your retorted upon me, and I on you." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this my secret was safe in his possession. our word." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "You think that he is dead?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "'Quite sure, dad.' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' shall not find me ungrateful." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole was not a bird to be seen there. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which