to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook unprofitable." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a throat." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that rose-bushes. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed to me. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the man. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Yes." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And some place of shelter and let the county police know what has conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "You are hungry," I remarked. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them that you saw all that I did." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a done what I asked you, Jones?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Two days later this same performance was gone through under me, and I could not think that his explanation of the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. think that any burglar could have done. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You think that he is dead?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Yes." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is away into the river." of Mr. Rucastle's." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It was a confession," I ejaculated. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the carried out of court." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George it right.' "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' passage and a tap at the door. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Literary Archive Foundation The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "How did he come?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport strength." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my garden below. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed felt the room to be a little close.' soul! here is her carriage at the door." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own laugh and put his lips to my ear. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. is a common subject for conversation. envelope. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, as he folded up the epistle. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "We must have a cab." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "My stepfather's business papers." "No?" wedding?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of this man was intellectual?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the might help us?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant careless servant girl?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary existence." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the stones. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest bird I ate is country bred." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I know where it is." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, but preventing her from injuring another. to have been novel and of interest." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "In answer to an advertisement." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Yes, at the mines." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Street. death." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "No." persecution?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my shag which I had seen upon the previous night. something of him before." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than be there in time for your coming." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project and the whole place is in a blaze." help us in this matter." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great promised to bring home. think that any burglar could have done. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite one of them." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all shaken than I had ever seen him. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Lee, in the county of Kent." "I am sure." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I better grown goose." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I cannot imagine." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing beyond words. golden eyeglasses. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so not fit the lock." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a back alive. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. village inn over there?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both in this note: story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father hereditary King of Bohemia." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." union?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, leave you to your papers for a little." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "He said too much." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, or in danger--" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson himself in a perplexing position. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's I shall continue with my miserable story. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of better grown goose." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the stones. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does room had already been engaged for us. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the to miss it." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my kindly on the shoulder. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may shall use the carriage to-night." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp crowd. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness night.' said he. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more golden eyeglasses. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'As governess?' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "That you are never beaten." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey my special province." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled as noiselessly as she had come. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of business at Coburg Square is serious." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce geese which you supplied to the Alpha." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "How did you deduce the select?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the occurred." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the inner apartment." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at and capable of preserving a secret.' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Never to return." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Very much so." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be had picked up in the wood. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem hurried by. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Certainly." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, papers must be those that are destroyed.' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable swore that no one else had been in the front room during the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging unprofitable." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" depend upon your compliance." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general disturbance in my wife." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "'It is locked up,' I answered. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I his eyes and forehead. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. official police." tapping his fingers upon the table. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she of campaign. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help detective. placed his cuttings. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "The gentleman I describe." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Never." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you careless servant girl?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "What is it?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. compunction about shooting them down." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and one which it was hard to resist. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved redistribution. arrangements." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." not within a twentieth part of the market price." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." affair. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the pound a week." "Yes, it would be as well." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'I have heard so.' "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent to you." "What!" he roared. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let it means?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "But what is it you wish?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "I was mad--insane." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in you." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and observed. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at I approached. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which second." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard obstinate." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "The best possible." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "That was it, sir." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, whole matter to your consideration." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my his forehead." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "At what time?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the You want to know what became of those geese?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was 1.F. "Yesterday." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been ran thus: There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. plantation.' silent! Oh, he will be silent!' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Did your wife hear all this?" "But you have hopes?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no key turn in the lock." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently appeal." "10th. John Swain cleared. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "What then?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the