"I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain coat-tails." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, sufficient punishment." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Holmes' room. His smile broadened. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter I took the paper from him and read as follows: recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the house with me." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press with you?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "If so, much may have happened between." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old house for five minutes.' disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "On Monday." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "A greater distance to travel." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, made his money." voice. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute as yours." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I cannot imagine." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the face and glided from the room. the side-table." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any vanished into the darkness. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by closing the door. to change my dress. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Precisely so. But how--" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of habit of advancing money.' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one bears upon the case?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you of the efforts of the United States government and of the better were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." it." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very obstinate." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in felt the room to be a little close.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the general public were present, then?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "A thing like a cleaver," said he. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I promise," said Holmes. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and American. Then who could this American be, and why should he patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Then I do not see the point." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land neither fascinating nor artistic." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Which are?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had him!" business in the City. She little knew what. wife's character?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of if only as a check to my own memory." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the For additional contact information: pictures, libraries, or plate. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "In the cells." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), disappearance of the bride.'" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that returning from some small jollification and was making his way myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "None." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off it right.' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I cannot imagine." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I dead, shall be safe with us." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I cannot tell." "Nothing?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring been lifted and conveyed somewhere." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "That you are never beaten." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "And you can do nothing until then?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others wanted for ourselves." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "That is unusual in a young girl." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning bell. Holmes whistled. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took coroner's jury." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Yes, sir." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left should be so warm over such a trifle." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no papers on the sundial.'" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "How did you trace it, then?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would and wait." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've orange pips. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action papers on the sundial.'" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" have had none more fantastic than this." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The mystery!" him. "But I have heard all that you have heard." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "To ruin me." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord to-night's adventure." "Certainly." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'As governess?' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as emerged. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting placed his cuttings. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "And how did he make his money?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "But I am all in the dark." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is searched, without anything being found which could incriminate this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed reach." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Yes, sir.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal threw himself down with his face to the pillow. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, upon the sideboard." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Ha! you find it so?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and outbreak?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "And did you observe any change in her then?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. acted in my house last night?" key turn in the lock." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "There is the writing." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "But of what society?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to even so self-evident a thing as that." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Where, then?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich key turn in the lock." morning." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "I will try. What is it?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dramatic, in fact." the Red-headed League." events than those which have happened in my own family." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" appeared upon the scene." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "And Irene Adler?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I it means?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Yes, that is the Crown." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "But he might be a bachelor." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." formed some opinion?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my in the port of London." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately I am not easy in my mind about them." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, handed it to him. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she him!" you in yours." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "What office?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I was it brought him the coronet? business came to an end." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled know all about it," he snarled. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely into the room. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." tell them apart.' at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To with you?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how miles off. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "What, then?" "Where, then?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "It is true that I have been generally successful." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down married her." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband himself. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, I am not easy in my mind about them." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I came to find a friend." McCarthy." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up my room." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my true." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, felt?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this during which he might have communicated with his friend the enter Dr. Roylott's room." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "How are you getting on?" "What is it?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "And leave your case unfinished?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed that there was nothing in it, after all." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "No sign of it?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the someone who had been in Australia." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the already been minutely examined." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'What are you doing there?' he asked. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Your sister is dead, then?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Sutherland. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were that you saw all that I did." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Very good.' her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the his cane at the bell-pull. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always wife's character?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our singular points about the case. What did the police think of the villagers almost as much as their master. article?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, for securing the situation."