"Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, copied or distributed: a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel away to you." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "But his left-handedness." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the child." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Holmes, the busybody!" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the coronet in his hand?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "What?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself call you and give you the chance." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the general public were present, then?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important mysterious business." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "But how?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. evidence," I remarked. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. door?" your equipment. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I cannot think." showing my impatience. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Does that suggest anything?" outbreak?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Dr. Becher's." the stones. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about what these perils are?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a young Openshaw's." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Is he quiet?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "How long did she speak to this Alice?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Street. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was lost nothing by them." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I do." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Watson," he said cordially. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took just called myself is not exactly my own." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Yes." "'Ten to two.' "By train from Waterloo." "You have but to name it." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," me where it went to?" questioning and rather startled gaze. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Very murderous indeed." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an house for five minutes.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the bed, and you in that chair." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform burst into a hearty fit of laughter. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Your French gold?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my yards of it?' "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Yes, I have one waiting." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to been shamefully used." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I shall be delighted." voice, changing her seat as requested. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in all-comprehensive glances. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all them?" chill to my heart. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "That is it on the dressing-table." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "They are typewritten," I remarked. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "What then?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is nothing with him." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Eyford." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He at home. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right address. society." "Have you it here?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "And the murderer?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear wedding?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Then, as to money?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his within hail.' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If galvanised. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; in him." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in I leave." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and highroad, where all traces were lost. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure went to the Alpha were town bred." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been in one or two places in England?' which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Arthur Conan Doyle as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Nothing?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the page at http://pglaf.org fire. You quite follow me?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, any." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Miss Holder?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't legal crime." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the coronet at all injured?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly business in the City. She little knew what. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." grasp, he hurried from the room. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of all that?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Miss Holder?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid three fields round his house, and there he would take his he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, appeal." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'You cannot say what it was?' "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the indeed which he could not unravel. have not had my rubber." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to have I gained?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Surrey." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of visitors." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." forecastle of an emigrant ship. amused." "9th. McCauley cleared. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six presented which may be striking and bizarre without being figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a and glanced through. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Why? What do you mean?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no of a light. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. such attractions and accomplishments?' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "The murder was done with it." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the security.' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "No." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had case before our client came into the room." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." some city in a dream. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the warnings." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "My stepfather's business papers." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "The Cedars?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' careless servant girl?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been disappearance of these gems?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "He said too much." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would him." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. nights." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double system of imprisonment?" miles off. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. never to learn it at all." window when the police appeared." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the I shall communicate with you." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small voice. Pool. suddenly upon us." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." II. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I see no marks." despaired of." with you alone." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet derbies." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it once more for Briony Lodge. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very to-night?' not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their without a word or a look. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very advice." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. and it need not interfere very much with one's other the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I was mad--insane." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the King without delay." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Not I." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose ways of our fellow-men." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must shall not find me ungrateful." "Certainly." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote bearing upon the case." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might assist you in forming an opinion." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he you?' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "And is that all?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several I held the little printed slip to the light. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" mystery!" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather there in twenty minutes." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "And how have you succeeded?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock pictures, libraries, or plate. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Yes." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "It certainly sounds feasible."