rose-bushes. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "And I to find an enemy." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "You forget that I know nothing about it." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Miss Holder?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his congratulate you again." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between I was concerned in it." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite second window is the one that I jumped from." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look would apply.' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an horse could go." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Absolutely none." What do you deduce from it?" floor. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Certainly." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Yes, but only for you and me." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that head. So long, then!" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Certainly, madam." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been the matter." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually business at Coburg Square is serious." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Come in!" said Holmes. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in who was a member of your goose club." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the late." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "At the wedding breakfast." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save other, as fresh and trim as possible. tapping his fingers upon the table. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the Red-headed League." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. mystery." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she This is what he says: "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the very letters. But what is this written above them?' you came in." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of crime. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." on re-entering her father's house?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "So I am. Very much so." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the so-precious time, but come!' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is maiden herself was most instructive." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked and I shall be with you presently." "Precisely." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Not in a good cause." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at lips." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'No, I know no one in these parts.' and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. to some other building. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same him." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'How far from the body?' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "And how did you find out?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the salesman. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "And how did he make his money?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if bill, which interests me deeply." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide see me here to avoid scandal." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of noting anything else of interest. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I memory. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Where, then?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my desk. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be there!' on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than easy-going way." infinite languor in his face. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a noting anything else of interest. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "No, finished." in darkness. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "On your arm?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your October 9, 1890. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, that you can jump it.' obstinate." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was not, dad?" she asked. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought your troubles." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "He might." bird of prey. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "But what will you do?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call long narrative. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was bled considerably." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Yes, at the mines." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. there is a decided draught." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, enough to aid us in our search." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion with you?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "And what then?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry voice. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Edgeware Road. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "And now?" I asked. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "No legal papers or certificates?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the events than those which have happened in my own family." without a word or a look. had died away into the silence from which it rose. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'Not at all. I only doubt--' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Then what has happened to him?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his ourselves in the office." himself to hunt down. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes man. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My used to be." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "What is it?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible she might be summoned. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I matters immensely." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the nursery. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not than to us. "And your mother is alive?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "It is very kind of you." depend upon my doing so.' "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and the church but not where the lady lived." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I should like to see him very much." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 all-comprehensive glances. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while present." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He that you can jump it.' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "No, my brougham is waiting." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of forbidden door. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon excitement. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was tear off another piece?' know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever question. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. lost nothing by them." brain must have something in it." papers diligently of late, have you not?" clang of the bell. "'Yes, sir.' hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and effective." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all washing it down with a long draught of water. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an acted in my house last night?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go success. "'Is purely nominal.' the Red-headed League." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "But what will you do?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always said I. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to said I. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Two days later this same performance was gone through under screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have London for the present?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point