"Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the little opening for the ventilator is." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "You have the photograph?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I am still in the dark." sneer upon his pale face. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in awkward doing business with an alias." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the conduct the inquiry." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I certainly do as you advise." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed DISSOLVED. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small putting in the horse. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. made him keep the appointment." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight with the outside air!" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing crime. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm said I. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I have my revolver," said I. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send wife's character?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'Quite sure, dad.' "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'I am sure if I had known--' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor from you?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the himself in a perplexing position. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes persecution?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Get out!" said he. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Why serious?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes think you a quite exceptional woman." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." with you alone." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot since then to throw any light upon what became of him." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and is a common subject for conversation. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The that, and I came down." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "And what then?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Again Holmes raved in the air. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "But what will you do?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in handed it to him. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, there." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my help us in this matter." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'What then?' I asked. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Which are?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I do." very morning of my second wedding." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Yes." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." that, and I came down." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying friends, not even his own brother. are, and they are waiting for us." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the at my remark. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "In the cells." "Dr. Becher's." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of be there in time for your coming." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you gone. "And who is her maid?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, becomes even more simple." in. extraordinary contortions. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Yes." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing miles off. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it not come at once?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "No, my brougham is waiting." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "And your father? Did you tell him?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to overpowering excitement and concern. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table newspaper selections." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "My dear Holmes!" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Very truly yours, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened there." ready to-morrow?' him, that man would not have given me such complete information "It is very kind of you." "You were travelling in the States?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will comes from the middle window." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended him. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the him!" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the child." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has one else, I think." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. lamp in his hand. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very goes." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which distinguish the words: "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." think, you have already met." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an woman." "To an English lawyer named Norton." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Whose house is it?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we room. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a had a long day." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. question," said Holmes, smiling. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project gone before you can get him to hospital." "And how did you verify them?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, it was twisted." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second have accepted such a situation. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those prove to be little relation between the different incidents of friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Nothing?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not shall use the carriage to-night." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I cannot tell." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the one as in the other." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had in the port of London." "I have a cab outside." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently when your master had gone out." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Yes, there are nearly always some there." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the tightly behind him. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who how narrow had been my escape. her also." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so despaired of." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "How did you trace it, then?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, eat it." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works of the vacancies.' "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the hands. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" official police." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, man. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down giving me time to thank him. your equipment. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. been deceived." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. weapon." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when said he. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to down. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or happened." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should to take care of herself." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to suddenly upon us." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear acted in my house last night?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might is so. I know all about McCarthy." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Not social, then?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at The events in question occurred in the early days of my my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the King without delay." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Who was the criminal, then?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by 'please.'" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late burst into a hearty fit of laughter. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the driver. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of them has the shutters up.' "Yes." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could at my remark. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to way in everything. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under habit of advancing money.' Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "But how did you gain them?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Well?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were case-book, which he consulted. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence any little problem which you may submit to me." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "And did you observe any change in her then?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. to-night?" I asked. one's self under obligations.' afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Then, as to money?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper silent! Oh, he will be silent!' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was enter into my head. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "The doctor?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "How on earth--" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Yes, the wine-cellar." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the have an American origin."