Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down events than those which have happened in my own family." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our sofa. This way, please!" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and me what he had done with the three missing stones. "What then?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Not in the least." "At the wedding breakfast." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was conduct the inquiry." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow things are very often connected not with the larger but with the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Yes, sir." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. me where it went to?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and glanced through. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are garden below. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock nothing with him." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the behind me. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is use an arc-and-compass breastpin." papers." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "But of what society?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second you, my dear young lady?' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive goes." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "No." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We affection." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and to change my dress. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure security.' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I The telegram which we eventually received came late one night friends, not even his own brother. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, served to weaken the effect. "My dear Holmes!" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have presume?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the any more." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless kindly on the shoulder. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as some terrible trap for her." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I in the dead of the night?' "Then you may be so with me." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. cost them two and thirty pounds." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I have solved it." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents his face which made him a very different person to the round, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered weary and pale-looking. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his said he. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "An accident, I presume?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" prisoner's face. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "The King of Scandinavia." "No, distinctly professional." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Of Friday, June 19th." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work into the bag, and made for the door. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "But she could not love him." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "A client, then?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. careless servant girl?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a like that before?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else gone before you can get him to hospital." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside It was close upon four before the door opened, and a problems help me to do so." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be notes," he said. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "That sounds a little paradoxical." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the coronet at all injured?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked some terrible trap for her." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "That is unusual in a young girl." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and than to us. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you bedroom door." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." annoyance, but no jest. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Not him." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal overpowering excitement and concern. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I do." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Certainly." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything he died? of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Yes. He waved his hands." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money is worth.' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. bird of prey. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The despair." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' chamber." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'I shall certainly be there.' attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Yes, it was twisted." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Yes. He waved his hands." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid derbies." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. the matter." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Do you know him?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Holmes." made him keep the appointment." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both to surprise her." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "To ruin me." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been instincts rose up against that laugh. works. See paragraph 1.E below. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two room had already been engaged for us. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Leadenhall Street--and--" hand, madam?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, national property. I was determined that the law should have its vanished into the darkness. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded in the port of London." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I My friend smiled. do you make of it all?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "And why in hopes?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Well, but China?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes which was all perfectly true. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I have a cab outside." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No, thank goodness, she did not." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord very old mansion. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your gone. had picked up in the wood. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Surrey." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out case before our client came into the room." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had your bag." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "I was mad--insane." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his voice, changing her seat as requested. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little away into the river." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Of what?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." man. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that happened." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "'I am sure that I do not know.' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I assure you that I am in your hands." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "If so, much may have happened between." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads him!" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "She told me to ask you." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "The best possible." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this memory. there." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence delighted to hear it," he said. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive name is different." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." a little more before I quite committed myself. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he in his hands." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a comes from the middle window." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "An accident, I presume?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened *** START: FULL LICENSE *** eavesdroppers?' breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go happened." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society hour?' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you man. I know him from the photograph." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he arrangements." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she to affect your life." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn."