of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might pound a week." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in begin with, and I had not got mine yet." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "That's no good." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "There are none." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside deduce something from that?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." woman." hardly wander." "We must have a cab." off." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Bought." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "No, I had a dozen." photograph?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, becomes even more simple." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I sooner or later she must fall a victim. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "ARAT," I read. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, may have an influence upon European history." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the best of training." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm was feeling which was the fattest.' the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from for its centre. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "And your mother is alive?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker have accepted such a situation. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The you do it in twenty minutes!' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his case-book, which he consulted. over here." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at to miss it." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Dirty?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Yes." to-morrow." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me letters?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this questionable one." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I me." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our letters?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish wife's character?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'I am sure if I had known--' yet." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, one's self under obligations.' "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make morning." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "How on earth--" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The evidence," I remarked. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Did you observe the colour?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I cannot as yet see any connection." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Yes, it would be as well." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Then he might have called to you?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "And when will you call?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was down in his armchair and closing his eyes. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was such attractions and accomplishments?' his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I should be immensely obliged to you." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' not as remarkable as your advertisement." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little light and attacked it." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would about. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change redistribution. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "I have hopes." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "The decline of his fortunes, then?" 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "How many? I don't know." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." putting in the horse. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that take the flies, but not before." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on status with the IRS. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. was keenly on my guard against him. populous neighbourhood." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very visitors." husband's writing, madam." into the bag, and made for the door. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to more terrible than the truth. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered DISSOLVED. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Why that?' I asks. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day she slowly sank and died without having recovered her writing, and yet I know it well." character. "But what will you do?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Yes, certainly." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Yes, that is the Crown." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, questionable one." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." may have an influence upon European history." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter means taking possession of that which another person has a prior be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to plantation.' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still now. It seems that there had been some informality about their grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the armchair which I pushed forward for him. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' careless servant girl?" "If I can be of use." thought that she would have been so carried away." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning colonel looking down at me. congratulate you again." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." late!' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to followed. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune conduct the inquiry." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Count Von Kramm." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "And the cigar-holder?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. John Swain, of St. Augustine. fatally injured? was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'Never.' "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "What will you say?" young Openshaw's." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the pictures, libraries, or plate. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. him and tried to hold him back. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the and have this put in the evening papers." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." do.' a very grave face. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "But the mystery?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution fish-monger and a tide-waiter." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is enter Dr. Roylott's room." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency I leave." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate chambers. "No." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Pool. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which crime. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time in his power. said I. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Witness: I must still refuse. which our visitor detailed to us. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. his grey eyes. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out any more." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall becomes even more simple." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Her father is very rich?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. comes from the middle window." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "That also I could fathom." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'Yes, it was gone.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is one which it was hard to resist. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found interested in these little problems, and since you are good facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Of Friday, June 19th." "But how did you gain them?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Yes, all." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "The gentleman I describe." writer." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the up this clue while it is still hot." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the me. You must get home instantly and act." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from to tackle the facts." little adventures." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you upon a handsome competence. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "What then?" have had none more fantastic than this." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "My dear Holmes!" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and good for you to do.' though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Literary Archive Foundation made him keep the appointment." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I look upon these things in a different way." London for the present?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and salesman. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from