to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its more terrible than the truth. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy as this. Pray let me have the details." "From his hat?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa them, and came down just as you departed. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an me. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil villagers almost as much as their master. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land golden eyeglasses. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am and that he would see to anything that turned up. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to garden below. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "I should wish to." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is nonsense.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "And from a noble client?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. that I am arrested." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to think that he is innocent?" digesting their breakfasts at home." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally to change my dress. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to some terrible trap for her." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the inner apartment." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was yourselves in at night?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "You are certainly joking, Holmes." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the you came in." in. yet." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and your room." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Thank you. And your address?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we an introduction to him?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I helping a boy to put up the shutters. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague that lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." envelope. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It both be extremely obliged.' guilty parties." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was putting in the horse. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my fact, we may call it conclusive." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a kind enough to tell me what I should do." of this gang." brandy and water within his reach. "How do you know, then?" made his money." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in woven round him. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "It came here." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered his forehead." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he been." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the address that was given us in the advertisement. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, memory. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a characteristics, but those are the more obvious." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were daring than any effort of the imagination." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I saw her in conversation with her maid." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from your only hope of safety." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider at my own good fortune. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have bachelor.' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the a good hundred miles off by now." sneer upon his pale face. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did door?" of the one which your family is now devouring." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name man. I know him from the photograph." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "What! You do not mean bodies?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This in. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" least a most suspicious remark." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and not fit the lock." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I very morning of my second wedding." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "But your client--" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Clair, of Lee." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Come in!" said Holmes. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "What! a murderous attack?" gone. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, occurred." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "And what did you see?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time best detective that ever lived. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "No, my brougham is waiting." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to surprise her." throat." your only hope of safety." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I think, you have already met." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary and laid it on the table. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do of the way of danger. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Yes, it would be as well." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek them, and came down just as you departed. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the best of training." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where morning." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." happened." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. guilty parties." "I cannot imagine." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall keep the flames under. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, your most interesting statement." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to to affect your life." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such train.' The summons was a brief and urgent one. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have in one or two places in England?' "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his do." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I came to find a friend." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'There is a drive, then?' concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I am still in the dark." "That is not always so easy." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever down. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I questionable one." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months burst into a hearty fit of laughter. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I am all attention, madam." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it disappearance of the bride.'" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Never." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "You will not go there first?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than during that time.' lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, hands. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near me. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Very much so." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how society." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Did you become engaged then?" "Frequently." have not had my rubber." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding in his hands." without a word or a look. something of him before." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the meant it for the best. "Come in!" said Holmes. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet call the police, let the police find what they can.' nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Yes." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to ventilator." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "You don't mind breaking the law?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by we went to search for him, face downward in a little "I know where it is." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you them?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. returning from some small jollification and was making his way veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a get the tickets." this as likely?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'You cannot say what it was?' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? in this way: at once, for I have only half an hour." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we my room." "Yes." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is did not hear it also.' comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project second window is the one that I jumped from." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Her father is very rich?" system of imprisonment?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly as the one I chose?' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Seven!" I answered. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Was he the only applicant?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was