cigar and let me expound." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Yes." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Were they all fastened this morning?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, ceremony." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Then what has happened to him?" "Very. But will he see it?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag key turn in the lock." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" lost his Christmas dinner." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the tragedy. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "So I have heard." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have unprecedented a position." have an American origin." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very is a common subject for conversation. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "But you can know nothing of this?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Not I." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, hour?' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is newspaper selections." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." depend upon my doing so.' "She walked into the breakfast-room." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was you came in." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have 11:15.' "And why?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "How did you trace it, then?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was bird of prey. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself compunction about shooting them down." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may I shall communicate with you." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in young Openshaw's." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Entirely." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "To an end?" straightened it out again. "But of what society?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are this unhappy family?" room had already been engaged for us. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "When did she vanish, then?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'Is 4 pounds a week.' during the last few years, and there are many noble families to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of II. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her business in the City. She little knew what. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Not in a good cause." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was beg that you will break it off." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this to tackle the facts." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried electronic works from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "It is a murder, then?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. letters?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." my room." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "What have you done?" asked Holmes. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Not yet." strong reason behind." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened ourselves in the office." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you that I am arrested." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you foresight and the moral retrogression?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Only as much as we can deduce." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how it? Did I buy the geese off you?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Where to?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "What will you do, then?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me read over the extraordinary announcement. are, and they are waiting for us." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the http://gutenberg.net/license). 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it upon the white wrist. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." late!' "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from tail." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "About a month then." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "And how?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "I warn you that they are very incomplete." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his about. Watson," he said cordially. will take you up to see the machine.' "She will not sell." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "That's no good." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "No." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I am sure." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the you?' Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I felt the room to be a little close.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. bell. Holmes whistled. Holmes' room. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'Where to?' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Yes." province." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the habit of advancing money.' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Quite so." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "We were both in the photograph." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the charged with?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what to-night's adventure." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the coroner come to?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon becomes even more simple." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the nursery. again, where I was soon asleep. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Not social, then?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "I guessed as much." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and answered with a sidelong glance. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and three of the beryls in it, was missing. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I cannot as yet see any connection." coroner's jury." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's ill-usage at the hands of fortune. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I think that it is very probable." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "10th. John Swain cleared. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "No, I think that I'll take it." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez kind enough to tell me what I should do." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "That is not always so easy." "He said that you could solve anything." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It is possible." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, opened the door, and slipped through. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "No." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." you, my dear young lady?' nonsense.' branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "But how did you gain them?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the License. You must require such a user to return or have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the stones. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "What office?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were interests were the same as his." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to know all about it," he snarled. meant." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" congratulate you again." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most may have an influence upon European history." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Perhaps we may make them less so." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his as yours." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my companion. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's to take care of herself." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" to-morrow." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to discontent upon his features. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "I say that I have solved it." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the help us in this matter." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six foresight and the moral retrogression?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you views." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Ah!" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." affection." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" learned something! Where are the gems?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached this truth that in these little records of our cases which you his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Will you go?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord.