"I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Stoke Moran." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who would then never go into court at all." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and man. I know him from the photograph." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes and it need not interfere very much with one's other My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while your equipment. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of." washing it down with a long draught of water. Holmes." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Then I shall certainly come." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and no precautions can guard against." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, me where it went to?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Ample.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I fled together." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really both be extremely obliged.' practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the article?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. round with crates and massive boxes. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does dramatic, in fact." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of James Windibank. Voilà tout!" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has I nodded again. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'Where could I find him?' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very one of the states of the Union." call it cruel." feature." of this gang." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "What!" he roared. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Absolutely?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. begun to whiten, even as mine has." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. have I gained?" head. So long, then!" notes," he said. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many The King stared at him in amazement. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the way in." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Pope's Court. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should been lifted and conveyed somewhere." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I have seen the police." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the have I gained?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came wanted for ourselves." "But she will refuse." Pope's Court. had this final quarrel? and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." developed." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and have this put in the evening papers." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. call you and give you the chance." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most a few minutes he said that it would be all right. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I say that I have solved it." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off purpose equally well?" the Red-headed League." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the during which he might have communicated with his friend the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, cost them two and thirty pounds." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Stoke Moran." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Here?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." me where it went to?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be pound a week." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid do.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Were they all fastened this morning?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with unprecedented a position." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "It missed him, then?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a be sorry for having acted so harshly." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just washing it down with a long draught of water. go from here to the Strand." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the best of training." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, lips." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Yes." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Yes." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "To an English lawyer named Norton." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Mary, has deserted me." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the minor matters until to-morrow." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the hour?' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done late." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of roused himself from his reverie. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." written. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "And how in the world did you find them?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded matter." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "How are you getting on?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "I was sure that I might rely on you." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "A confidential servant?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "What then?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Now, then, what's the last entry?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers most important business. It is probable that he will be away all husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I am still in the dark." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "It is no ordinary one." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than them, and came down just as you departed. "You were travelling in the States?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to sofa. This way, please!" visitors." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project throat." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Then I am your man." "Where did he live, then?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the lamp in his hand. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, that?' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, his grey eyes. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of lost nothing by them." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this case before our client came into the room." as noiselessly as she had come. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it morning." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in lamp in his hand. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where them?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time you want, then?' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you if I call to-morrow?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low through." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would yourselves in at night?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Was your sister dressed?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to place no limit on the sum I may draw." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. your billet.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" his wife has ceased to love him." whereabouts. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps children over to America with him, so that I found myself without hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between good-night and bustled off upon her way. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Holmes." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. future lives." "I say that I have solved it." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When roused himself from his reverie. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." other means.' He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was attention." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "No. What a strange idea!" "If I can be of use." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. introspective fashion. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him whereabouts. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Perhaps we may make them less so." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, tapping his fingers upon the table. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after that you wished to speak to me?' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. your co-operation." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the together. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial will find little credit to be gained out of this case." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for there is a decided draught." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The