The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Yes." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "How many? I don't know." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation amused." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious intrusion of other matters." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "In which, sir?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "But we can't all be." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the bed, and you in that chair." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me him to be an active member of the medical profession." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her held up the lantern and gazed about him. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am feature." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Very truly yours, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative begun to whiten, even as mine has." point in the dark hollow of his hand. "In what way?" asked Holmes. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. me upon any point which I do not make clear." this as likely?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a weary and pale-looking. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at of Fenchurch Street." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said of his shoulders. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted prison!" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "And now?" He raised his hand. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his instituted." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me cost them two and thirty pounds." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents one's self under obligations.' there in twenty minutes." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is I shall continue with my miserable story. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow business in the City. She little knew what. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was anything to do with the matter?" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what sparkled upon his finger. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "A confidential servant?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been useful material for showing traces. The double line a little crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "And your father? Did you tell him?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty look upon these things in a different way." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "And now?" I asked. speckled band?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at salesman. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel bare slabs of marble. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "In the cells." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried ourselves in the office." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a window when the police appeared." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "But your client--" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and wait." success. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Well, but China?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, it." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "But how will you look?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his indeed which he could not unravel. "Nothing?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I saw her in conversation with her maid." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the side-table." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was returned to France?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "'Which dealer's?' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Not in the least." "What can you not understand?" Surrey." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or will be renamed. the night.' We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was frequently gained my first real insight into the character of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Nothing." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "From his hat?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as of the one which your family is now devouring." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. maiden herself was most instructive." arrangements." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping pictures, libraries, or plate. standing smiling on the door-step. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally His smile broadened. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be think that he is innocent?" more solid." the running down." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "And help." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "There is the writing." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Again Holmes raved in the air. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" gives a meaning to it." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "No, but the enclosure is." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. tied." and no precautions can guard against." laugh and put his lips to my ear. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "What! Had he lost his wife?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey at a side door. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could opened the door, and slipped through. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do opportunities to fix the problem. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our page at http://pglaf.org had picked up in the wood. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "But to whom?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael page at http://pglaf.org "May I see it?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to whether it answered to the description of any of their then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your now. It seems that there had been some informality about their bed dies. Does not that strike you?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I been lifted and conveyed somewhere." this remarkable episode. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Certainly." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Entirely." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she one of the states of the Union." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "If so, much may have happened between." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or clang of the bell. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the other means.' tassel actually lying upon the pillow. have been better. It is all right." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 examine." "Very murderous indeed." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Very truly yours, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of used to be." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan extraordinary contortions. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "To an English lawyer named Norton." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have flock.' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each enough to aid us in our search." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of when you have done it." writing, and yet I know it well." of campaign. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to bonnet, and went out." What do you deduce from it?" were new raised from a basin. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can any." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed think that he is innocent?" "Quite so." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I say it is." generous with you in money matters.' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "'As governess?' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you other means.' Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "No." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that drove away. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid ago." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in his hands." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I should like to see him very much." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her meant it for the best. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last brain must have something in it." "It is a murder, then?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "So I have heard." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "What steps will you take?" I asked. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to to some other building. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And what did you learn from him?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "That was it, sir." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a outside. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "'About the same.' One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Never to return." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it country, and eventually married, without anyone having a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "My private note-paper." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, eavesdroppers?' workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a