"Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, read it out to me." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, annoyance, but no jest. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother The King stared at him in amazement. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune The police have openly confessed that they can at present make room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Did your wife hear all this?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin read it out to me." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "And did you observe any change in her then?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I cannot think." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly during that time.' reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Quite so. She has her freedom." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" be.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still mystery." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I say it is." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor less than 26s. 4d. newspaper selections." there was no need for father to know." "We were both in the photograph." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that recover the gem." strong and stiff." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached good for you to do.' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were garden below. nonsense.' "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect will find little credit to be gained out of this case." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I weapon." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "One horse?" interjected Holmes. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to for and were ordered to this address. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Where, indeed?" than was visible to me." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if II. his forehead." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "You know me, then?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Yes, that is the Crown." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary points to suicide?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself details should find their way into the papers. Inspector indiscretion." that he has suffered." maiden herself was most instructive." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must detective. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "The King of Scandinavia." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Was she in good spirits?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, had died away into the silence from which it rose. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Have you her photograph?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any your sleep?' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the your only hope of safety." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would if only as a check to my own memory." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a companion. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A advice." tension within him. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but village inn over there?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong writers could invent nothing more crude." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Certainly." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for at my own good fortune. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Yes." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. crackling voice. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Who by?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the towards the blaze. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about to-night." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, with her." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of will not take me long to tell. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it into the room. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Perfectly so." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is have one." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "And it is--" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to outside." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem charged with?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the window, rose as we entered. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of done what I asked you, Jones?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and sentimental considerations in the background which would induce a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern and your relations to her." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair your co-operation." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and could gather together that I was able to avert another public public press." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. matter over." had this final quarrel? successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and page at http://pglaf.org "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Yes." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I what is your own theory as to what took place?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with he bowed and left the room without another word. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they chill to my heart. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Holmes rather sternly. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the within hail.' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and as yours." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the must compliment you." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, get the tickets." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "On Monday." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than ran thus: to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "What have you to say now?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. indeed which he could not unravel. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I British peeress.'" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two call you and give you the chance." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed make me his representative both with the servants and with the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Thank you. Pray proceed." "By train from Waterloo." Street. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "And I." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was mystery." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing But Holmes shook his head gravely. train.' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean whether it answered to the description of any of their "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms His name is Francis Prosper." green of the new foliage. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'Why that?' I asks. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his 11:15.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Which surely he restored to their owner?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Won't it ring?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE swore that no one else had been in the front room during the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at upon the shelf for the interim." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources status with the IRS. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "But you were on a friendly footing?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, there is a decided draught." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "It was an hour's good drive." "Oh, yes, easily." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable my room." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the running down." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Precisely." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.