- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open in your London, you will know that the office of the company is shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from foot. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the even so self-evident a thing as that." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. himself in a perplexing position. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Never." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "He said too much." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible III. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the she to prove their authenticity?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Henry Baker is a member." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, to miss it." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very correct than the official force." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that daring than any effort of the imagination." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who what I may call a really hard day's work." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "And Miss Sutherland?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped business came to an end." "Nothing." "Never." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through returning from some small jollification and was making his way as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Holmes' face clouded over. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was know that the truth is known." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into and glanced through. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your public press." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. woven round him. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the visitors." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, lost nothing by them." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the nursery. them?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few six. Come in!" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." careless servant girl?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer hurried away. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of them has the shutters up.' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Yes, sir." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a papers on the sundial.'" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "None." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "No, but the enclosure is." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all whether it answered to the description of any of their "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. been with you?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Not social, then?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to of Fenchurch Street." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building examination of the premises, but without finding anything which thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I have seen the police." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "What is it, then--a fire?" "No, finished." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I point in the dark hollow of his hand. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Where does the thing come from?' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not key of the affair now." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the him, that man would not have given me such complete information we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away compunction about shooting them down." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the ceiling. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for cigars in their mouths. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." main points of my analysis." "In answer to an advertisement." official police." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have four million human beings all jostling each other within the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the all-comprehensive glances. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind already been minutely examined." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man his huge brown hands. less than 26s. 4d. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "That's no good." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a more solid." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Is he quiet?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek there was no need for father to know." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my shall not find me ungrateful." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I frequently gained my first real insight into the character of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Very. But will he see it?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be conceal it?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "And what did you see?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "I was sure that I might rely on you." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. this Miss Turner." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box throat." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "At half-wages, in fact." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." asked. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the this unhappy family?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Look there!" said he. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." have been better. It is all right." this as likely?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife what is your own theory as to what took place?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'Then let me do so?' "How on earth--" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You don't mind breaking the law?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when said he, "my real name is James Ryder." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other noting anything else of interest. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to appeal." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the wedding?" go from here to the Strand." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a deduce something from that?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the purpose of examination. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "What then?" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this that I can to serve you." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle asked with his eyes open. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and the church but not where the lady lived." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, without a word or a look. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and has little to do with my story." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." one of them." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." written, and locked the door of the office after me. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert existence." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and put his glass in his pocket. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the meant it for the best. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I would pay ten." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from get the tickets." and glanced through. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. at my own good fortune. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should October 9, 1890. call you and give you the chance." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have a very grave face. "Where did you address your letters, then?" easy-going way." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I villagers almost as much as their master. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive is acting for the best. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy past. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It certainly sounds feasible." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the introspective fashion. "And what then?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself 1.E.9. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the certainly do as you advise." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "A confidential servant?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a fasten all the windows?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "9th. McCauley cleared. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a there was no need for father to know." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was down. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter fire. You quite follow me?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." name is different." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Ah!" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "This concluded the examination of the witness." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on charged with?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the excitement. "But his lameness?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Holmes." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before thin legs towards the fire. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. him. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further or other trace. But how on earth--" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." once more. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Yesterday." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend