Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Holmes' thin, eager face. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Which are?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine opportunities to fix the problem. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in head. So long, then!" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the himself to hunt down. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a future lives." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I your billet.' the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of there was no need for father to know." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'No, I know no one in these parts.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest sit on the left-hand side of the driver." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "What!" he roared. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the salesman. returned to France?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is had formerly been in part my own. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "What is it, then--a fire?" exactly what you advise." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "It was." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did was not a bird to be seen there. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Texas, I think." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have train from Paddington which would bring you there at about but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Nothing?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, voice. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Doctor, of the paper and the date." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "And that is--" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed of the efforts of the United States government and of the better bell. Holmes whistled. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." that there was nothing in it, after all." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. any more." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'As governess?' carried out of court." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Where, indeed?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I my former friend and companion. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was during the last few years, and there are many noble families to should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. and put his glass in his pocket. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in eat it." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Get out!" said he. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, article?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "An accident, I presume?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the you do it in twenty minutes!' the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed test if we have an answer to our advertisement." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "But the mystery?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave presented more singular features than that which was associated are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is what these perils are?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight cigars in the box." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "What are they?" "I cannot imagine." putting in the horse. the window, rose as we entered. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'You cannot say what it was?' information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were hour?' "I am armed." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Bought." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! attention." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the such person." "'I have already given you my word.' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut little trying to do so much typewriting?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back at home. gbnewby@pglaf.org "Yes." through." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that the gas is not laid on in his house?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I when your master had gone out." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' and have this put in the evening papers." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the of your young ladies.' think you a quite exceptional woman." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would occupations.' through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack bare slabs of marble. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery nonsense.' same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so situation." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I really the only notable feature about the thing." national property. I was determined that the law should have its wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the one as in the other." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found spare." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it information in his hands the value of which he did not himself just ask you whether you had heard it.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'As governess?' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of will be renamed. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery what do you think they found in the pockets?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the you give your casting vote to?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "The murder was done with it." "No sign of it?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." flock.' "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom has little to do with my story." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your girl said." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two sentimental considerations in the background which would induce with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I long narrative. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been business at Coburg Square is serious." whether it answered to the description of any of their employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Is he quiet?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back in your London, you will know that the office of the company is reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "But not more so than I to find you." hand, madam?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I 11:15.' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very directly by questioning you." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very he died? events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear subject to the trademark license, especially commercial perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I hair?' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Of what day?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the hardly wander." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without which are rolled in Rotterdam." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and papers on the sundial.'" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very shoulder; "he's all right." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, developed." go back?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," it means?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying forbidden door. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well spare." very old mansion. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Who by?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might when you have done it." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I allusion to a rat. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be suspect him." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable me. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Your presence might be invaluable." habit of advancing money.' His name is Francis Prosper." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "It is his hat." and all of them with the keenest interest. "Proceed, then." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "In San Francisco, a year ago." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are night.' said he. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that likely to be some crony of the landlady's." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove to affect your life." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "That you are never beaten." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in been deceived." "Your French gold?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. him!" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been respectable self." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "But who is he?" "And how did you verify them?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I shall be delighted." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which not personally threatened." bare slabs of marble. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Perfectly so." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon appeal." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which been lifted and conveyed somewhere." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, written. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: morning." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me about. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded could not account in any way for the presence of the missing It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "You think that he is dead?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the matter?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "To ruin me." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Won't it ring?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE him nearly every evening." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort posted to-day."