"And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately into the room. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I should like to see him very much." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Serpentine Avenue. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother ordinary clothes on?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been tell them apart.' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds so far?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' opened the door, and slipped through. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Pool. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! helping a boy to put up the shutters. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table is a common subject for conversation. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "To an end?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the was a loud and authoritative tap. events, Mr. Windibank!" it." "'What, the red-headed man?' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'What then?' I asked. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Precisely." papers." "The gentleman I describe." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. a very grave face. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the front of me. rose-bushes. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "I shall be delighted." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Where is it, then?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That bare slabs of marble. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "What of the rat, then?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" very old mansion. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he I leave." "It is very clear." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a for securing the situation." I took the paper from him and read as follows: sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. like gravel from a pit.' "'Yes, sir.' my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Holmes." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I shall most certainly do so." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "We must have a cab." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I should be immensely obliged to you." suspect him." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my returned to France?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What DISSOLVED. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "That is not always so easy." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "You are hungry," I remarked. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." you want, then?' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was six. Come in!" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and this unhappy family?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Dark enough and sinister enough." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about ways of our fellow-men." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary your Highness to the police-station?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Who was the criminal, then?" with you?" past. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "That is unusual in a young girl." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. 1.F. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon vault. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle to-night?' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Yes, at the mines." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy License. You must require such a user to return or not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for how narrow had been my escape. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. meant." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "At the wedding breakfast." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side mystery!" "Look there!" said he. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and carriage. It was a chestnut." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! becomes even more simple." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Have you it here?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner fire. You quite follow me?" himself in a perplexing position. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be compunction about shooting them down." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your next day. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Frequently." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "What do you mean?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Look there!" said he. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to vault. humiliation." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are been lifted and conveyed somewhere." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a purpose of examination. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" London for the present?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'Yes, I promise.' shall not find me ungrateful." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me breakfast?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door them?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to you." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to then?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he and I shall be with you presently." even of instruction." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the this as likely?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as points in connection with it which never have been, and probably photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Certainly." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed golden eyeglasses. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, experiences." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper there were one or two details which were new to me. But the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Your sister is dead, then?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 wedding?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "What is it, then--a fire?" Clair, of Lee." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were there when the Rucastles went away." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord for the market.' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Eyford at 11:15.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes anything to do with the matter?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Your sister is dead, then?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a presented more singular features than that which was associated like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Here?" "You horrify me!" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we hopeless attempt at recovering them." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. cost them two and thirty pounds." DAMAGE. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of meant it for the best. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little to affect your life." what do you think they found in the pockets?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'Certainly not.' I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "A thing like a cleaver," said he. again before evening." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, he died? chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at ashen face. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have because she had spent so short a time in this country that she state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." developed." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "No." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future matter." giving me time to thank him. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden which are rolled in Rotterdam." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sentimental considerations in the background which would induce I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the works. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, you do it in twenty minutes!' employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." sneer upon his pale face. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Countess of Morcar's?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." suddenly upon us." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in here." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my she used." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." goes." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the your sleep?' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." one of them." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "That is not always so easy." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and me. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" official police." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" of receipt of the work. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Was your sister dressed?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I answered that I had not. "Where did you address your letters, then?" again." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; business at Coburg Square is serious." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Your French gold?" "No more words. Get out!" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this London for the present?" is worth.'