a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "You know me, then?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming business." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "By all means." will not take me long to tell. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his outsides of the windows. are windows in it, of course?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." conceal it?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for tell them apart.' During two years I have had three consultations and one small '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. seen the man in the road." when you have done it." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her over here." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say stepfather?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "But to whom?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "And you can do nothing until then?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past touch that coronet?' "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and no precautions can guard against." up this clue while it is still hot." "About a month then." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," me. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, danger is over." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very a room. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious heavy and sharp instrument." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Have you good authority for what you say?" "Here?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers your room." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the one as in the other." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just was a loud and authoritative tap. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On about here speaks of his kindness to him." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "What, then?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the envelope. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was experiences." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I do." "Then you may be so with me." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ characteristics, but those are the more obvious." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was was already answered. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Of what day?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Mrs. Toller serenely. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Is he quiet?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his approach us with offers to donate. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. amused." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "No." at home. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's know that the truth is known." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "A client, then?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. feature." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "He is dead," cried several voices. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom DAMAGE. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes felt the room to be a little close.' "I should be immensely obliged to you." It may be so in this case, also." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "What can you not understand?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Where, indeed?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, ordinary clothes on?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." him." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Yes, there are nearly always some there." read over the extraordinary announcement. strength of mind to control. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" chair. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Did he not advertise?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "One of his hands." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he reach." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. cost them two and thirty pounds." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "It is his hat." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." all?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the general public were present, then?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds stalked out of the room. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an swore that no one else had been in the front room during the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Holmes' room. for its centre. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "And what did you see?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "What can you not understand?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, business in the City. She little knew what. father's place of business?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Henry Baker is a member." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man situation." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted late!' the coroner come to?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "You think that he is dead?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "But what is it you wish?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very During two years I have had three consultations and one small higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her himself to tell his story. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The who was a member of your goose club." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce be. "How do you know, then?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily his face which made him a very different person to the round, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything less than 26s. 4d. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'Ample.' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. better grown goose." "From his hat?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Nearly eleven." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "And that is--" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Could he throw no light?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Which surely he restored to their owner?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "It is very clear." "'Oh, no.' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was ways of our fellow-men." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I cannot imagine." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "None. Neville wrote those words." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great it right.' already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Could he throw no light?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the child." or other trace. But how on earth--" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything visitors." himself to hunt down. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. which we had just quitted. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "It goes to the housekeeper's room." your most interesting statement." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the instituted." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me despaired of." used to be." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. morning." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in acquaintance?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would his face which made him a very different person to the round, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat followed. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the only touch the interest." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I am following you closely," I answered. "Never." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who guilty one." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'Entirely.' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be least a most suspicious remark." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the legal crime." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special information in his hands the value of which he did not himself used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case foresight and the moral retrogression?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing so far?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "She showed me, as I told you she would." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Pray let us have it, for all that." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every speckled band?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "And now?" He raised his hand. important." all-comprehensive glances. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Upon what point?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late walking." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "No?" certainly do as you advise." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are politicians who had been sent down from the North. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I will do it." "Yes, certainly." happened." "Game for a morning drive?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "And what did you see?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Street. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "On Monday." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." signal between you and your father? that the gas is not laid on in his house?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this had a long day." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "And I." "It was an hour's good drive." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." entirely devoid of interest." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine 'please.'" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. hour." McCarthy's innocence. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many