"It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce said he. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and might have a private word with us. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "You are hungry," I remarked. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had to that open window." sparkled upon his finger. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are crime." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'I have heard so.' last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy did not hear it also.' watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Perfectly so." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the was a lad." Does that suggest anything?" asked with his eyes open. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for ceremony." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "And why?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "But I have heard all that you have heard." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." several quiet little villages up there." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" a suggestive one." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the entirely devoid of interest." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried behind me. "He said too much." "And who is her maid?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features McCarthy's innocence. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "And it is--" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in gigantic client. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I not, dad?" she asked. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There tightly behind him. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Who by?" strength of mind to control. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "No good news?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "She told me to ask you." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that already referred to. hands. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled trifles." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Then I can wait in the next room." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion The note was undated, and without either signature or address. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue will be renamed. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend was not a bird to be seen there. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy emerged. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual you?' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the what is your own theory as to what took place?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Yes, it was twisted." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the which we had just quitted. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." man. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to wall." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "This photograph!" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Yes, there are nearly always some there." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Mrs. Toller serenely. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Get out!" said he. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Literary Archive Foundation he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the Red-headed League." "By train from Waterloo." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, in the port of London." "Game for a morning drive?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to less than 26s. 4d. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'And what salary do you ask?' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Seven!" I answered. Serpentine Avenue. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "And leave your case unfinished?" only touch the interest." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Did your wife hear all this?" Again Holmes raved in the air. "We have tried and failed." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Again Holmes raved in the air. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'Oh, no.' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I shall most certainly do so." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in vanished into the darkness. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what should be taken.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Tired-looking or fresh?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a rose-bushes. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the King without delay." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. until night should bring an explanation. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "'Where could I find him?' "'Certainly not.' walking." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little she to prove their authenticity?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Did he not advertise?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had lamp in his hand. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Were they all fastened this morning?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Certainly." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we my special province." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "What shall I do?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a spare." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Holmes rather sternly. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Yes, it would be as well." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the station." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and that I am arrested." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which fish-monger and a tide-waiter." before the coroner and the police-court." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "You did not overhear what they said?" Stoke Moran." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at emerged. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I would pay ten." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, that there was nothing in it, after all." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "And on what day did he meet his death?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Holmes, the busybody!" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Really! You surprise me." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no that there was nothing in it, after all." "He is dead," cried several voices. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given should be taken.' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "I answered that I had not. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed death." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. that threaten you." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "What do you mean?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "No?" had picked up in the wood. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "My photograph." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous bill, which interests me deeply." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I fear not." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "One horse?" interjected Holmes. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Watson," he said cordially. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. who was a member of your goose club." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Do you go out much in society?" the so-precious time, but come!' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive gone. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Breckinridge is his name." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the overpowering excitement and concern. he bowed and left the room without another word. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I am armed." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically absorbing." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'And what salary do you ask?' "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Then how many are there?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the side-table." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long presented more singular features than that which was associated boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on unclasping of his long thin hands. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of chemical work which was so dear to him. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "What do you make of that, Watson?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Yes, that is the Crown." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and of campaign. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the imbecility!" he cried. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy