"Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; will find little credit to be gained out of this case." were new raised from a basin. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish was not a bird to be seen there. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the confronted him. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. him. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down trying to your nerves." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after business came to an end." detained." "But she will refuse." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the room while you explain this matter?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that made him keep the appointment." "He is still with you, I presume?" "Where did he live, then?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "This concluded the examination of the witness." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no again on its way. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent you in your example." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." you." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason keep the flames under. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the ceiling. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among individual and becomes the badge of a society." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Yes, it would be as well." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had skylight. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "But how?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held with her." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "My own seal." "It is solved." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young to go into your room and bar your shutters?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the up this clue while it is still hot." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "That is possible." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "To an end?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I cannot as yet see any connection." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you off." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of touch that coronet?' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "No, I am descending." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Yes?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to suddenly upon us." "Yes." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of the one which your family is now devouring." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps situation." village inn over there?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers as yours." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America beyond words. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a not fit the lock." "At the wedding breakfast." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came intrusion of other matters." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was fact, we may call it conclusive." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was quite distinctive." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with was a perfect sample of the class. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. affair. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? was once confined in the cab my mission was practically their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And my friend's incisive reasoning. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Was she in good spirits?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "That is not always so easy." "Deserted you?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed should be so warm over such a trifle." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own all that?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it his eyes and forehead. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without distance from the station, and there we found the young lady such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Does that suggest anything?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the reach." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Eyford at 11:15.' "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the young Openshaw's." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, asked. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he in a very precise fashion." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his his face which made him a very different person to the round, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Stolen, then." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." pictures, libraries, or plate. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the villagers almost as much as their master. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "It is true that I have been generally successful." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked keep the flames under. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that the salesman. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's forbidden door. then?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to were wasted." crowd. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as said he. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been that I can to serve you." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind bled considerably." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said considering the formidable letters which were received by himself were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I assure you that I am in your hands." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "No, but the enclosure is." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a south, for the country is more deserted there." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple in this way: "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Come in!" said he. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom sufficient punishment." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the room while you explain this matter?" "Nothing." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Project Gutenberg-tm works. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, yet." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, was lame." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have some mystery and the punishment of some crime." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can only touch the interest." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' better in every way that they should make their position a little Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "My opinion is in no way altered." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Entirely." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular your room." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "How many? I don't know." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I shall most certainly do so." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before think you a quite exceptional woman." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "You have carte blanche." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set prepare for the new role I have to play." handed it to him. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've pity, because in other respects you would really have done very he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to papers." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I who was a member of your goose club." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end tell me that you intended to go into harness." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "That sounds a little paradoxical." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A said he. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive know what is wrong with it.' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "No." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Bought." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Entirely." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with During two years I have had three consultations and one small Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that his knees, staring into the fire. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss in darkness. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "My last client of the sort was a king." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the morning." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, key of the affair now." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the done what I asked you, Jones?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have leave you to your papers for a little." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor be sorry for having acted so harshly." "And your father? Did you tell him?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I be best to do. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding address. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "I beg pardon." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I 1.F. into the room. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Mary, has deserted me." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "And did you observe any change in her then?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "And how did he make his money?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must during which he might have communicated with his friend the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Yes." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came away into the river." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the you." behind me. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your