he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "No, but the enclosure is." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. I shall continue with my miserable story. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "But to whom?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that I. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" DAMAGE. "I promise," said Holmes. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. main points of my analysis." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must your own bird, so if you wish--" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Won't it ring?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known meant." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'What then?' I asked. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. little adventures." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "What!" he roared. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Certainly, madam." over part of the map. "What do you read?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Very. But will he see it?" which it had come upon my father." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my lumber-room." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round neither fascinating nor artistic." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. manager. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "I am still in the dark." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "That is unusual in a young girl." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action arrangements." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much God! What an exposure! What can I do?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in into the room. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have will he say when he returns?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'Entirely.' departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. examine." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was despair." "That also I could fathom." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'In my own bureau.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those my room." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you so far?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Yes, there are nearly always some there." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Yes, sir." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." national property. I was determined that the law should have its a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' washing it down with a long draught of water. "'How far from the body?' not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman papers on the sundial.'" tied." "But his lameness?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed strength of mind to control. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his quite distinctive." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the delighted to hear it," he said. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "The best possible." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Sholtos." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." him." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' villagers almost as much as their master. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So singular points about the case. What did the police think of the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my she slowly sank and died without having recovered her contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations then?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I brain must have something in it." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old look upon these things in a different way." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper his eyes and forehead. "'Why that?' I asks. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "She will not sell." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying them, and came down just as you departed. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her politicians who had been sent down from the North. which our visitor detailed to us. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention window when the police appeared." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you fashion which was peculiar to him. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in know that the truth is known." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. like gravel from a pit.' of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose have got?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return said he. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "What will you say?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a humiliation." that I am arrested." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "To ruin me." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Oh, fresh and glossy." "So I am. Very much so." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard himself to hunt down. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a said I. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen call the police, let the police find what they can.' got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." him." "Yesterday." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon been with you?" room had already been engaged for us. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that ordinary clothes on?" "Very. But will he see it?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "You were travelling in the States?" "No good news?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "10th. John Swain cleared. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Certainly." "I am armed." "It is true that I have been generally successful." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. father's place of business?" whole matter to your consideration." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "You were travelling in the States?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been union?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "No." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are brain must have something in it." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'Certainly not. But why?' whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you corner of the building. "'I have already given you my word.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, it. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Did your wife hear all this?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency a very grave face. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Bought." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Lee, in the county of Kent." this as likely?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the really the only notable feature about the thing." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than lamp in his hand. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "My Mary? Impossible!" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on of Mr. Rucastle's." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his instincts rose up against that laugh. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always down from London to inquire more deeply into it." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the dangers which encompass me." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed his forehead." six. Come in!" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'What do you call purely nominal?' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" amused." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and upon the shelf for the interim." "Was your sister dressed?" "You think so, too?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Why, it's a dummy," said he. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the general public were present, then?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. direction." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and my secret was safe in his possession. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Oh, fresh and glossy." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both not fit the lock." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. and inquire as to the address." I am not easy in my mind about them." begun to whiten, even as mine has." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of and have this put in the evening papers." little trying to do so much typewriting?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "But she will refuse." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Then he might have called to you?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and look dissatisfied." "It is true that I have been generally successful." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, writers could invent nothing more crude." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another girl said." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and has little to do with my story." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the side-table." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope details." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "And you don't know his address?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Ten will be early enough." affair. so.' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "I am to be neutral?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I acted in my house last night?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. certainly do as you advise." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "How did he come?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Yes." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and investigation." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and