and the whole place is in a blaze." second." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "My opinion is in no way altered." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "How did that help you?" "I know where it is." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Ah, but I was recommended to you." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I fear not." redistribution. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "How do you know, then?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed posted to-day." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just feature." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Have you it here?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time husband's writing, madam." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, companion. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "A thing like a cleaver," said he. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Where is it, then?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "What have you to say now?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and no precautions can guard against." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of approach us with offers to donate. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, of Fenchurch Street." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I have a cab outside." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Certainly, madam." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "No, finished." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men newspaper selections." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "It must be recovered." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Of what?" so far?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "No, I think that I'll take it." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I just ask you whether you had heard it.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I don't believe it." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but became a certainty. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she copied or distributed: sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Holmes." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Seven!" I answered. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "No legal papers or certificates?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as key turn in the lock." "So it appears." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady with frightened eyes at his accuser. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Very. But will he see it?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a lost nothing by them." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'Then let me do so?' sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now country, and eventually married, without anyone having a as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am 'please.'" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very giving me time to thank him. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." in his power. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Of what day?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than for the market.' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the in one or two places in England?' "She showed me, as I told you she would." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Holmes' face clouded over. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Munro.' wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and bled considerably." father's young wife. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel public press." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Ah, but I was recommended to you." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I have I gained?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an brought there to personate someone, and the real person is itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in signal between you and your father? correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, footfalls from the street. coroner's jury." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came front of me. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the bed, and you in that chair." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Miss Holder?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate waste of energy." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one yards of it?' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Where is it, then?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old when you have done it." in this way: drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then me where it went to?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then DISSOLVED. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the address that was given us in the advertisement. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" purpose equally well?" affair. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened signal between you and your father? "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could once more. "'I have already given you my word.' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin which our visitor detailed to us. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it go back?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "But who is he?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and of Fenchurch Street." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "You have carte blanche." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that means taking possession of that which another person has a prior which we had just quitted. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one that are, I think, all that we need." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the tragedy. late." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in asked with his eyes open. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for suddenly upon us." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private fish-monger and a tide-waiter." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but chamber." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Pray continue your narrative." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, never will be, entirely cleared up. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Get out!" said he. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, away into the river." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed was a perfect sample of the class. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a had died away into the silence from which it rose. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness straighten it?" "It looks newer than the other things?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way was already answered. constraint." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital charged with?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "You are certainly joking, Holmes." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Yes, it was twisted." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The that before taking the final step I should like to submit the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." he. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and no precautions can guard against." had picked up in the wood. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Where, then, is my wife?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I should like to see him very much." and looked back. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself particular state visit http://pglaf.org There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "It may not come to that," said Holmes. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "By no means." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. call you and give you the chance." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a hard-headed British jury." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his is acting for the best. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Stoke Moran?" said he. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, soul! here is her carriage at the door." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no himself. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a is four-and-twenty." chambers. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and ago." his fortune, and I went back to pa. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I have solved it." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her approach us with offers to donate. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and should be taken.' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was man. I know him from the photograph." nothing of it?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my than to us. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp quick march!" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what only touch the interest." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "I know where it is." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard you." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his chance at all." "Ten will be early enough." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs photograph?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had compunction about shooting them down." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "What, then, did Peterson do?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "At half-wages, in fact." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, lamp in his hand. papers diligently of late, have you not?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say,