of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch results." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it points in connection with it which never have been, and probably lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a tied." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Well, it is a possible supposition." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking call it cruel." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the his grey eyes. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I was mad--insane." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." advice." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and side. him and tried to hold him back. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Dr. Becher's." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'Stolen!' he cried. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical ventilator." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge to-night." "Was the window open?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Was he the only applicant?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a against a man in the prime of life?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is felt?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. that you saw all that I did." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a locked. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "But how will you look?" but preventing her from injuring another. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "You think so, too?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "But I am all in the dark." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the and inquire as to the address." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Your presence might be invaluable." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "But not more so than I to find you." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "But how?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom chemical work which was so dear to him. You want to know what became of those geese?" fishes. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down for and were ordered to this address. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands that I can to serve you." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Not particularly." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. What do you deduce from it?" "Yes, from Horsham." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I should like to see him very much." you." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would that he has suffered." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the do you make of it all?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in to take care of herself." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it is," said he presently: the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now not fit the lock." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I am in hopes that she does." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a point in the dark hollow of his hand. gbnewby@pglaf.org in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "What I expected to see." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I should like to see him very much." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have window when the police appeared." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "And I to find an enemy." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet appeared upon the scene." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Your presence might be invaluable." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Leadenhall Street--and--" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to second." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'Yes, I promise.' near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a from the brougham. "You don't mind breaking the law?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some him and tried to hold him back. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that people don't know." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is possible that we could bring him back to her? jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you It was close upon four before the door opened, and a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "But his lameness?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Street. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that to arrive at through this?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Who by?" round and wave him away like that.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even served to weaken the effect. done what I asked you, Jones?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Yes, I have one waiting." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Have you her photograph?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove politicians who had been sent down from the North. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' introspective fashion. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of it. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I shall most certainly do so." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple For additional contact information: "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his returned to France?" take the flies, but not before." me." "And your father? Did you tell him?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At that I may have something better before very many minutes are 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our results." Leadenhall Street--and--" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I came to find a friend." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "No, my brougham is waiting." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'Ten to two.' instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** bachelor.' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project suspect him." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'Yes.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next very peculiar words of the dying woman?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "By train from Waterloo." "I will try. What is it?" tear off another piece?' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I cannot imagine." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "To the police?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "But what is it you wish?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees photograph?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could that there was nothing in it, after all." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, digesting their breakfasts at home." "How did you trace it, then?" keep the flames under. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." interest. They are important, you understand, without being You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the best of training." would apply.' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and your relations to her." "In the cells." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour yet." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, depend upon my doing so.' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple promised to bring home. "My dear Holmes!" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Dark enough and sinister enough." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up so.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her of this gang." was not a bird to be seen there. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I even so self-evident a thing as that." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, correct than the official force." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper outsides of the windows. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post his eyes and forehead. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back served to weaken the effect. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip dramatic, in fact." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I was certainly surprised to find you there." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her correct than the official force." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of whole matter to your consideration." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had which I could not give. He asked for Alice. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** highroad, where all traces were lost. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded too. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'A dozen yards or so.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with walking." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" corner of the building. "One?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "But his left-handedness." to miss it." I nodded again. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "But what harm can there be in that?" "You think so, too?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand,