"Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Then I can wait in the next room." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had friends, not even his own brother. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the bed, and you in that chair." least a fellow-countryman. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds will he say when he returns?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Who by?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" nonsense.' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt him!" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as sentimental considerations in the background which would induce repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Yes." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Then I do not see the point." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making then?" appeal." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting this poor creature." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Very murderous indeed." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that to me. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Where did you address your letters, then?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "And how?" him." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us woman who has had her own way to make in the world. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." door?" secret." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, for securing the situation." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of evidence," I remarked. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy congenial hunt. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a II. companion quietly. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "A confidential servant?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room than was visible to me." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I helping a boy to put up the shutters. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I think it very unlikely." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the armchair which I pushed forward for him. at home. our word." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the affair. is acting for the best. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from look upon these things in a different way." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "No." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "What will you do, then?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table weary and pale-looking. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I carried out of court." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." for and were ordered to this address. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of weary and pale-looking. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing clanging. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have already been minutely examined." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Then, as to money?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's shall use the carriage to-night." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were your only hope of safety." 1.E.9. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'What then?' I asked. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every asked. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "What, then?" keep the flames under. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Game for a morning drive?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had means taking possession of that which another person has a prior empty. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and putting in the horse. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the station." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "And the cigar-holder?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "A confidential servant?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers present." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Did he not advertise?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "It is possible." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "What!" he roared. about. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "My last client of the sort was a king." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand strode off upon his way. said I. gone. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this there." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "'And the work?' work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Which are?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a about here speaks of his kindness to him." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "No, thank goodness, she did not." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest My friend smiled. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall outbreak?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which papers must be those that are destroyed.' upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "And you don't know his address?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "My own seal." your co-operation." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "The landlord of the Alpha." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "My stepfather's business papers." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** 'I should be able to look after that for you.' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us your bag." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Was he the only applicant?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "We must have a cab." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of him to be an active member of the medical profession." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the meant it for the best. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the general public were present, then?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of to me. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The companion imperturbably. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly For additional contact information: bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! John Swain, of St. Augustine. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "If so, much may have happened between." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., chambers. appeared upon the scene." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and to miss it." was shining brightly. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and envelope. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that breakfast?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. paper in the air. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and mystery." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, bell. Holmes whistled. I took the paper from him and read as follows: upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is II. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the it. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "In which, sir?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and official police." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the Red-headed League." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in them, and came down just as you departed. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear question," said Holmes, smiling. "I see many objections to any such theory." straightened it out again. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "He is dead," cried several voices. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet it with his own hands." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm it." "Never to return." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, you?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind written. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "But you have hopes?" "Ample." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, emerged. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the overpowering excitement and concern. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation you understand?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at to-night's adventure." me have 200 pounds?' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. was a loud and authoritative tap. woman." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "On the contrary, this is the right side." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "In answer to an advertisement." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both and files of the old papers, following the future career of every company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found relation between them, and what the object of his repeated remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the distinguish the words: "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Yes." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the hopeless attempt at recovering them." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I should like to see him very much." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial bell. Holmes whistled. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Does that suggest anything?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "A greater distance to travel." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Have you good authority for what you say?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "But your client--" business at Coburg Square is serious." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told