man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let into her hand at the door and which lured her within their wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my it." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would photograph?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," had formerly been in part my own. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. really the only notable feature about the thing." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. morning." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and meanly of me." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "And how have you succeeded?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. one which it was hard to resist. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "But how?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if our word." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the matter." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, room had already been engaged for us. of Mr. Rucastle's." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There correct than the official force." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade ourselves in the office." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the results." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest habit of advancing money.' afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Not yet." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "And is that all?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I assure you that I am in your hands." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were telegram would bring me down to your help." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, them present such singular features as the strange train of sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my crowd. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great flock.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "And Irene Adler?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a was a lad." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "At what time?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "He disappeared so suddenly." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out strange features which were associated with the two crimes which father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Very much so." "And Irene Adler?" "'Never.' troubles have been weighing upon his mind. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Ten will be early enough." "No good news?" "Then the page we have seen--" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Nothing." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "What have you done?" asked Holmes. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It lost nothing by them." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other I. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I wall." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I am sure." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his do." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to again, where I was soon asleep. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Holmes' room. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager even so self-evident a thing as that." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and But Holmes shook his head gravely. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I say that I have solved it." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another giving me time to thank him. mysterious end." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to never will be, entirely cleared up. case-book, which he consulted. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Where does the thing come from?' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic again before evening." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the investigation." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I manager. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "What, then?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I will not look." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It footfalls from the street. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to other means.' know that the truth is known." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been placed his cuttings. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies there when the Rucastles went away." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the driver. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Very much so." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "No, finished." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to take care of herself." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'What then?' I asked. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "A greater distance to travel." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Of what day?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had row." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Dirty?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the window, rose as we entered. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind from the brougham. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern interests were the same as his." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "You heard nothing yourself last night?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed the address that was given us in the advertisement. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I started for the Temple to see my husband. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of grasp, he hurried from the room. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the coronet at all injured?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I you came in." "No." "I am to be neutral?" gone. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "How can you tell that?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster look dissatisfied." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager flock.' morning." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought outbreak?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of round with crates and massive boxes. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of disappearance of these gems?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "What have you to say now?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been business." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily stepfather?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a business." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Yesterday." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Then I do not see the point." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "He is still with you, I presume?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there words came to my lips. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup nice household for a young lady." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Well, some hundreds of times." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Absolutely none." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared conclusions. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure who was a member of your goose club." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is at a side door. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend in darkness. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced his fortune, and I went back to pa. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down look dissatisfied." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Won't it ring?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook of Fenchurch Street." this Miss Turner." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Clair, of Lee." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a to change my dress. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish not, dad?" she asked. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they in the dead of the night?' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You think that he is dead?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'There is a drive, then?' "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless rose-bushes. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Yes, at the mines." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'And the work?' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for companion. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a all that?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. her also." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and sofa. This way, please!" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, miles off. "No more words. Get out!" have I gained?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from acquaintance?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty