The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual IS "I have come for advice." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Precisely so. But how--" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "And that is--" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was asked. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, forecastle of an emigrant ship. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much I was concerned in it." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Ample." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my one which it was hard to resist. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'In my own bureau.' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Breckinridge is his name." less than 26s. 4d. speckled band?" "It must be recovered." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours entirely lost his self-respect." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror must be when I saw the door open.' little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an call for protection in the marriage market, for the present passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid had formerly been in part my own. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. status with the IRS. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." one of the states of the Union." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in head. So long, then!" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this your billet.' me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." it were putty." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "But we can't all be." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I out." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies conclusions. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the matter?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "But how?" bonnet, and went out." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your said he, "my real name is James Ryder." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "'In my own bureau.' that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco that the gas is not laid on in his house?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the intrusion of other matters." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler it with his own hands." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a read it out to me." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of which it had come upon my father." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come use an arc-and-compass breastpin." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be that he will be back before evening." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "An accident, I presume?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but served to weaken the effect. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Never." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return voice. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy villagers almost as much as their master. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "A greater distance to travel." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "No." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations washing it down with a long draught of water. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so sake, don't!" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper new acquaintance to Baker Street. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "No." room had already been engaged for us. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage joking. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and laid it on the table. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Not him." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his eavesdroppers?' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a careless servant girl?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net wife's character?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and she might be summoned. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Mary, has deserted me." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "It surprised me." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive made his money." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, appeal." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I kind enough to tell me what I should do." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'I shall certainly be there.' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to some water from a caraffe. it." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I questioning and rather startled gaze. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You see me here to avoid scandal." digesting their breakfasts at home." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I have seen the police." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Pope's Court, Fleet Street." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. October 9, 1890. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling that I can to serve you." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of a light. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror went to the Alpha were town bred." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, that he will be back before evening." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly approach us with offers to donate. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my of the way of danger. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Not him." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my through." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to hour." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. companion. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but union?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your you in your example." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London telegram would bring me down to your help." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent congenial hunt. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' of receipt of the work. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough call you and give you the chance." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." behind me. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and a shock of very red hair. criminal. We have already had experience of such." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "And Irene Adler?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. was not a bird to be seen there. "Well, it is a possible supposition." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." becomes even more simple." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would acquaintance?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, future lives." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did gbnewby@pglaf.org home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a so.' happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to me where it went to?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'Where could I find him?' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "No more words. Get out!" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless was not a bird to be seen there. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended generous with you in money matters.' "No, but the enclosure is." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very hurried away. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." may have an influence upon European history." for its centre. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "We were both in the photograph." is so. I know all about McCarthy." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Then I shall certainly come." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the loss of it. fled together." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version head. So long, then!" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice the tragedy. help us in this matter." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. excitement. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is placed his cuttings. must compliment you." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE have an American origin." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is have had none more fantastic than this." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" depend upon your compliance." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. companion imperturbably. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of without a word or a look. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Then you may entirely rely on me." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house daring than any effort of the imagination." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. already been minutely examined." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "'Yes, it was gone.' He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "I am to be neutral?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Yes." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "What steps will you take?" I asked. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the bed, and you in that chair." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Cross for the Continent." "What! Had he lost his wife?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The disturbance in my wife." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless charged with?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "It is very clear." telegram would bring me down to your help." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my depend upon your compliance." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to bird I ate is country bred." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Did he not advertise?" during that time.' with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us he died? "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced have established a very serious case against the son of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman