"Really! You surprise me." Munro.' homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "What, then, did Peterson do?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "She will not sell." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Ten will be early enough." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Dark enough and sinister enough." be sorry for having acted so harshly." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down me. You must get home instantly and act." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I or in danger--" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle night.' said he. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She I leave." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "No sign of it?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with are windows in it, of course?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by points to suicide?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the child." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been I shall communicate with you." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have during the last few years, and there are many noble families to then?" him." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" once more to my work. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Yes." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. events, Mr. Windibank!" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Oh, fresh and glossy." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and kind enough to tell me what I should do." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I upon the white wrist. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is this unhappy family?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from with you alone." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a him and tried to hold him back. "Not in a good cause." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" society." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "No." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, shall not find me ungrateful." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little emerged. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I am still in the dark." "Really! You surprise me." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the King without delay." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something there has been an enclosure here!" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not possible that we could bring him back to her? attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "No bad?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish legal crime." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said late." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called upon the white wrist. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "It may not come to that," said Holmes. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which thought that she would have been so carried away." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "She will not sell." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "But what harm can there be in that?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and fuss that is made over them." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I for and were ordered to this address. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have and a shock of very red hair. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then ashen face. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Pray do so." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "But what will you do?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be away to you." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Nothing?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can you for a few hours?" humiliation." "'And the work?' "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at writer." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid your billet.' in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black made him keep the appointment." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker husband's writing, madam." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Stolen." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the be sorry for having acted so harshly." "What!" he roared. "'I am sure if I had known--' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I cannot imagine." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can swore that no one else had been in the front room during the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." was a perfect sample of the class. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of morning." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact discontent upon his features. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "And why?" answer." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Yes." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in matter." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, amused." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Not social, then?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "What do you mean?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the devil!" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless returning from some small jollification and was making his way attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. waste of energy." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the general public were present, then?" in his hands." "But you can know nothing of this?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, writing, and yet I know it well." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Nothing?" very morning of my second wedding." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the I think that I could be of assistance to you." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, once more to my work. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood fled together." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "What then?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you at home. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months case-book, which he consulted. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience always that they were such commands as a lady might with Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought waste of energy." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was mystery!" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were at home. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "You are certainly joking, Holmes." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of it with the greatest attention. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My photograph?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Breckinridge is his name." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "You have compromised yourself seriously." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "I cannot say that I have." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done it. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Then I shall certainly come." in a friendly supper." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary could gather together that I was able to avert another public room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated him to go away.' saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. of the way of danger. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "On the contrary, this is the right side." "How did he come?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at cost them two and thirty pounds." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre already referred to. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest stepfather?" the little opening for the ventilator is." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': page at http://pglaf.org McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "And when will you call?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "That also I could fathom." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She you." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I will do it." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." fled together." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "'Quite sure, dad.' I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had taking in every detail of the apartment. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him a suggestive one." shaken than I had ever seen him. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon."