said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, for its centre. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in presume?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Then, how do you know?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the you." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted pound a week." "It is possible." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and was used.' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through business." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. miles off. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. becomes even more simple." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Mrs. Toller serenely. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the station." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Sutherland. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a not fit the lock." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Whose house is it?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have had this final quarrel? phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "But she will refuse." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the too. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "You think that he is dead?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you you?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "No more words. Get out!" to his chemical studies. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets waste of energy." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to not fit the lock." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "And now?" I asked. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the bottom.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were them, and came down just as you departed. to-morrow." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting instituted." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found said I. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker outside. "You are hungry," I remarked. more terrible than the truth. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Then what has happened to him?" "I say that I have solved it." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. The summons was a brief and urgent one. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward said he. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To is," said he presently: Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "'I am sure that I do not know.' feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the stable lane now." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is away to you." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly you want, then?' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the salesman. "From his hat?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the Red-headed League." 1.F. and put his glass in his pocket. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Did he not advertise?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at forecastle of an emigrant ship. "And what did you see?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his McCarthy's innocence. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "That's no good." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Can I be of assistance?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Yes, that is the Crown." "I don't believe it." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public of his shoulders. redistribution. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "You horrify me." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips forbidden door. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "And how?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than distinguish the words: defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense generous with you in money matters.' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "In answer to an advertisement." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Street. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Yes, from Horsham." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small John Swain, of St. Augustine. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I guessed as much." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I were wasted." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop some mystery and the punishment of some crime." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the of the way of danger. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding cigars in the box." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Then, as to money?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an against a man in the prime of life?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the rose-bushes. "In which, sir?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was hand, madam?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal hardly wander." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me you?' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My disappearance of these gems?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of made him keep the appointment." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the attention." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to here and I will read it to you: "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." little adventures." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," locked. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "And is that all?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "That is unusual in a young girl." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a light and attacked it." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her success. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "It is solved." were unconscious?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'I shall certainly be there.' of a light. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "That also I could fathom." death." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "That is not always so easy." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Very well, sir. And this stone?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "10th. John Swain cleared. amused." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the away into the river." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn grasp, he hurried from the room. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' lost his Christmas dinner." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. whereabouts. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I held up the lantern and gazed about him. have established a very serious case against the son of the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a hour." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that gigantic client. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "But you were on a friendly footing?" I held the little printed slip to the light. of his shoulders. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Why serious?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few fishes. of campaign. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did there were one or two details which were new to me. But the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have that I am arrested." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" entirely devoid of interest." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or outside." rat could hardly pass through." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then and I shall be with you presently." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "My opinion is in no way altered." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold cheerful." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "How did you deduce the select?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." photograph?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He to Leatherhead. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when to some other building. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Ah, but I was recommended to you." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise works. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "What are they?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know over his head with a sweet womanly caress. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "The doctor?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, province." was a perfect sample of the class. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the these bleak autumnal evenings." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Pray tell us what has happened to you." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this