be there in time for your coming." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." his wife has ceased to love him." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "I should be immensely obliged to you." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," papers diligently of late, have you not?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, posted to-day." the coroner come to?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that said I. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he have an American origin." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said to his chemical studies. main points of my analysis." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray redistribution. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled you." "I am sure." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the stones. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be secret." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and child?' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say bonnet, and went out." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some shadow pass over his face as I spoke. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and shaken than I had ever seen him. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "The vanishing of the lady." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There advice." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I and prosperity to your house. Good-night." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another him, that man would not have given me such complete information dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its trying to your nerves." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, conceal it?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my served to weaken the effect. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "And for present expenses?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "He said too much." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from his knees, staring into the fire. "Has he come with you to-night?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the Assizes." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no some place of shelter and let the county police know what has results." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case him." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic stood on the top of it. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, in my life." province." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." breakfast?" are windows in it, of course?" "'Where to?' flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger so.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'Never,' said I. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "My opinion is in no way altered." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have tear off another piece?' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as meant it for the best. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to records." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw companion. which it had come upon my father." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to undoubtedly my uncle's." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should three of the beryls in it, was missing. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though was not a bird to be seen there. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Ten will be early enough." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much fluttered off among the others. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion electronic works fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to before, for it was considerably after midnight. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. and have this put in the evening papers." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the address that was given us in the advertisement. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and forecastle of an emigrant ship. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Yes." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. brain must have something in it." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "How on earth--" might have a private word with us. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and laid it on the table. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a delighted to hear it," he said. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather his huge brown hands. most interesting one." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly three of the beryls in it, was missing. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing touch that coronet?' "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "None." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the ceiling. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they noble correspondent could be. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Absolutely none." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "He might." the stable lane now." putting in the horse. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are matter." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "How can you tell that?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I am in hopes that she does." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker a room. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Yes." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Well?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has his face which made him a very different person to the round, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself of this gang." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Nothing." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a ashen face. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Yes." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours and it need not interfere very much with one's other opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is are windows in it, of course?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black client, rising. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'What, the red-headed man?' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was is entirely a question of barometric pressure." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that appeared upon the scene." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of his shoulders. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, 'please.'" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Now, then, what's the last entry?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." himself in a perplexing position. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." know that the truth is known." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both and no precautions can guard against." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If I held the little printed slip to the light. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Clair, of Lee." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Where did you address your letters, then?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who really the only notable feature about the thing." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "And help." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "It may not come to that," said Holmes. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "But what is it you wish?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the house with me." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in man. I know him from the photograph." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," as he folded up the epistle. "None." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Why, what do you mean?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his few hundred pounds.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots photograph?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson thought that she would have been so carried away." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a second." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as cheerful." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "How can you tell that?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how not come at once?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. hardly wander." showing my impatience. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took not fit the lock." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "By no means." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Well, some hundreds of times." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all certainly do as you advise." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had highroad, where all traces were lost. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is