equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, do.' applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Yes, all." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Why serious?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your golden eyeglasses. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of." "It is his hat." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be door?" "What are they?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Ample.' detained." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the warnings." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "'Certainly,' I answered. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to if only as a check to my own memory." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California behind me. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'Yes, sir.' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at it were putty." developed." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my room." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was purpose of examination. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the round and wave him away like that.' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'What do you call purely nominal?' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, it. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Yes, sir." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Dirty?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, you want, then?' upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I cannot imagine." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had key turn in the lock." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a I think that I could be of assistance to you." miles off. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the very morning of the wedding." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I should be immensely obliged to you." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I have my revolver," said I. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" speckled band?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. some water from a caraffe. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to fait accompli?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it trifles." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "It certainly sounds feasible." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Have you her photograph?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "That is not always so easy." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "The Coroner: What do you mean? though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco footfalls from the street. "You saw the ventilator, too?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was is now desirous of getting those letters back." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "And when will you call?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, of his shoulders. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "That you are never beaten." "And help." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. one's self under obligations.' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Serpentine Avenue. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I don't believe it." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. me have 200 pounds?' with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I say that I have solved it." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from events than those which have happened in my own family." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "That was it, sir." again before evening." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. States. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" bird of prey. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed unprecedented a position." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his putting in the horse. points to suicide?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the http://www.gutenberg.net whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Holmes' face clouded over. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off situation." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and glanced through. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Nothing." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. tightly behind him. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Holmes." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Munro.' "Is he quiet?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and prosperity to your house. Good-night." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the salesman. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? answer." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of in the port of London." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not that?' fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in straighten it?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon is so. I know all about McCarthy." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Imitated." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Yes." and wait." "'It is locked up,' I answered. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Never to return." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the roots. becomes even more simple." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Heh?' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Well." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was was lame." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them lids now and glanced across at his visitor. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "What can you not understand?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Quite so. She has her freedom." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Very much so." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "And what did you learn from him?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and better grown goose." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than it." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "How did he come?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Always." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "She told me to ask you." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Yes, sir." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "You don't mind breaking the law?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is distance from the station, and there we found the young lady into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe security.' slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we there is a decided draught." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot three fields round his house, and there he would take his its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. even of instruction." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Then, how do you know?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, is four-and-twenty." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old see a sister of mine apply for." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I entirely lost his self-respect." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one straighten it?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the child." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "The landlord of the Alpha." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay might help us?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth II. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have me. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am fuss that is made over them." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of just called myself is not exactly my own." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." strong reason behind." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg following enigmatical notices: The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "And sit in the dark?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." too. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to lost his Christmas dinner." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to talk it over. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "It must be recovered." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Stolen." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Nothing." been." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The developed." trifles." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat roused himself from his reverie. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you thin legs towards the fire. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. crime. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I cannot tell." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just may never be exposed to such a temptation." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, stood on the top of it. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather thin, with a long, sharp nose?" bedroom door." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he one which it was hard to resist. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make