Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in long narrative. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. burst out into a roar of laughter. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of made him keep the appointment." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It locked." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt touch that coronet?' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates once more to my work. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I cannot think." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per right! Sit down and let us talk it over." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Just look it up, then." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'Most admirably.' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about my special province." despair." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the driver. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Young McCarthy must be got off, however." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" down. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another sufficient punishment." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. clang of the bell. British peeress.'" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss present strange and interesting features that it is no easy we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the that he will be back before evening." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No more words. Get out!" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman outsides of the windows. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my in darkness. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong 'please.'" "Witness: I must still refuse. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Where, indeed?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and all of them with the keenest interest. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the coronet at all injured?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she which our visitor detailed to us. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear this as likely?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important ashen face. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the better grown goose." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and shall probably return to London by the evening train." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Yes, it would be as well." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "'There is a drive, then?' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both once more to my work. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in not, dad?" she asked. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "When did it break out?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'In my own bureau.' few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Foundation with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and you for a few hours?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. late." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an in this note: on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did during which he might have communicated with his friend the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the night.' drove away. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "But of what society?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Bought." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire three fields round his house, and there he would take his really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in himself to hunt down. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in his huge brown hands. "What then?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Pray be precise as to details," said he. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "'And what salary do you ask?' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "That is easily got." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want so.' wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Do you know him?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; kindly on the shoulder. It may be so in this case, also." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a orange pips. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for with you alone." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Yes, all." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "And your father? Did you tell him?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for been shamefully used." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Will you go?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "And leave your case unfinished?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of drawing your inferences." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near October 9, 1890. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "No, I had a dozen." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as official police." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. this man was intellectual?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with maid will bring up your coffee." used to be." gone. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter woman who has had her own way to make in the world. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, brandy and water within his reach. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed ready to-morrow?' from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. bill, which interests me deeply." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but where Mr. Fordham shows you.' about. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul miles off. "Has he come with you to-night?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a bled considerably." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Frequently." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "And from a noble client?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "That's no good." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" strong and stiff." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me fasten all the windows?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "The vanishing of the lady." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "It came here." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's ran thus: parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we a monotonous occupation." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch you." second." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to electronic works "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps you do it in twenty minutes!' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, heavily into it. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as interests were the same as his." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I so.' Again Holmes raved in the air. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the of them has the shutters up.' unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your have I gained?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Upon what point?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of spare." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at him!" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four some terrible trap for her." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your least a fellow-countryman. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making in his hands." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "No." "What steps will you take?" I asked. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I cannot think." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "My Mary? Impossible!" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the a room. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Why serious?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point posted to-day." "I was mad--insane." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that did not hear it also.' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "But he might be a bachelor." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the window, rose as we entered. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, manager. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Holmes' room. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "It is true that I have been generally successful." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed some mystery and the punishment of some crime." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own