let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that all-comprehensive glances. ourselves in the office." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and that he would see to anything that turned up. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, a little more before I quite committed myself. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about page at http://pglaf.org week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father companion. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we for the market.' "And you thought he was pulled back?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "How do you know, then?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, absorbing." what I may call a really hard day's work." "Then I do not see the point." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Because he was handy and would come cheap." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that said he, "my real name is James Ryder." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, forebodings. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. than to us. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different troubles have been weighing upon his mind. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "The rest you will leave in our hands." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to future lives." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to awkward doing business with an alias." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous seem to you to be relevant or not." it." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'I am sure if I had known--' and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. house for five minutes.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will to a light-house. his face. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Very well, sir. And this stone?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "You have the photograph?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "So I am. Very much so." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "What can you not understand?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull confronted him. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, bears upon the case?" occurred." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I will be renamed. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous back to my heart. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible discontent upon his features. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Where, indeed?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The note?" his eyes and forehead. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There several quiet little villages up there." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded his cane at the bell-pull. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the at my own good fortune. think that any burglar could have done. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. someone who had been in Australia." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, anything to do with the matter?" "On Monday." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture to you." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "And how?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the carried out of court." chair. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right before, for it was considerably after midnight. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long drove away. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the this Miss Turner." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. miles off. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp thirty. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which compunction about shooting them down." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we at my remark. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, compunction about shooting them down." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "The King of Scandinavia." acted in my house last night?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "'I have heard so.' (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing written, and locked the door of the office after me. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout to-night?" I asked. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and him. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the highroad, where all traces were lost. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark mystery." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier to change my dress. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it behind me. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an opportunities to fix the problem. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall your troubles." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'It is locked up,' I answered. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Very good.' round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to to-night?" I asked. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I meant it for the best. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the very letters. But what is this written above them?' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "We must have a cab." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "But of what society?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the nothing of it?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his had formerly been in part my own. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'What then?' I asked. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are other means.' "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Then I am your man." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so individual and becomes the badge of a society." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Do you go out much in society?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "That also I could fathom." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Seven!" I answered. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should had died away into the silence from which it rose. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming had a long day." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "That sounds a little paradoxical." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City as the one I chose?' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my as the one I chose?' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. question. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Nothing?" to have that photograph." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, electronic works "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "And why?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" at once, for I have only half an hour." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "How about poison?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the was feeling which was the fattest.' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "But what is it you wish?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall and files of the old papers, following the future career of every usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we questioning and rather startled gaze. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a companion imperturbably. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. spare." crime." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "My own seal." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several a room. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the station." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no threw himself down with his face to the pillow. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative away to you." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," trifles." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And His smile broadened. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Well." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry always that they were such commands as a lady might with a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I was not a bird to be seen there. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood how narrow had been my escape. once more to my work. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, of this gang." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I During two years I have had three consultations and one small enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "What is it, then--a fire?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "But I am all in the dark." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "That is unusual in a young girl." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. your billet.' cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, it." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very useful material for showing traces. The double line a little outside. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable you understand?" "Nearly eleven." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Not I." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Do you know him?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train approach us with offers to donate. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the you." I held the little printed slip to the light. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, his forehead." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free them present such singular features as the strange train of "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon one which it was hard to resist. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I acquaintance?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the