"You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" less than 26s. 4d. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into it right.' "ARAT," I read. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "A confidential servant?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Then the page we have seen--" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "You think that he is dead?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other upon an income of about 60 pounds." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Yes, they were peculiar boots." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet once more to my work. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, help us in this matter." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the way in." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door down from London to inquire more deeply into it." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or suspect him." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a weighed down with some great anxiety. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "How about poison?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "How did that help you?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Yes." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the matter." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is to-night?" I asked. "The Cedars?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close more solid." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too during the last few years, and there are many noble families to afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. way in." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. outbreak?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You have but to name it." 1.F. "I have my revolver," said I. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'I shall certainly be there.' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open most important business. It is probable that he will be away all greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Witness: Nothing definite. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," he died? plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in murdered man." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'And the work?' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by such person." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." wife's character?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Here?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Literary Archive Foundation pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage and wait." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "It is half-past ten now." to have been novel and of interest." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too License. You must require such a user to return or Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Then I shall certainly come." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. be sorry for having acted so harshly." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Not particularly." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the coroner come to?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and eavesdroppers?' "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our your bag." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some society." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. second." Street. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram do you make of it all?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "'And the work?' "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I promise," said Holmes. o'clock is it?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Will you go?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." his cane at the bell-pull. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I when you have done it." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and bare slabs of marble. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and inquire as to the address." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as was it brought him the coronet? "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." fluttered off among the others. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the than was visible to me." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the more solid." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was reach." Eyford." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "You heard nothing yourself last night?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Which surely he restored to their owner?" other means.' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could that I may have something better before very many minutes are had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from absorbing." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And here." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the child." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I sufficient punishment." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "What steps will you take?" I asked. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "What can you not understand?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I forehead. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "On the contrary, this is the right side." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Eyford at 11:15.' evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong distinguish the words: animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the child." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to in his power. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon did not hear it also.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum particular state visit http://pglaf.org upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the coronet in his hand?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I IS hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "That you are never beaten." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I was it brought him the coronet? man. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "And you can do nothing until then?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which ran thus: "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the with some details as to your case." one which it was hard to resist. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Look there!" said he. light and attacked it." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the been with you?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric You want to know what became of those geese?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the over here." own family. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds girl said." "Yes." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it in a friendly supper." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what had formerly been in part my own. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. cheerful." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man hands. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life answer." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot and the whole place is in a blaze." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place mystery!" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Then, as to money?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "The landlord of the Alpha." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "You have compromised yourself seriously." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster existence." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a little more before I quite committed myself. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction drawing your inferences." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and enter into my head. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in troubles have been weighing upon his mind. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it detective. about. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'I am sure that I do not know.' Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be way: found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to over his head with a sweet womanly caress. straighten it?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that peculiar to him. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the Friday. Was it to be in church?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at.