even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling that the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Nothing." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "When did she vanish, then?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick The events in question occurred in the early days of my as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "My dear Holmes!" "Stoke Moran?" said he. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, fishes. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar tension within him. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his come either from the window or the door. My attention was extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our is so. I know all about McCarthy." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe second." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Pope's Court. she used." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves for the market.' One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, empty. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Yes, from Horsham." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know your billet.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." drove away. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be standing smiling on the door-step. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I this as likely?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished see a sister of mine apply for." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the them, and came down just as you departed. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Pope's Court. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with one of them." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' down. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was see a sister of mine apply for." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the call it cruel." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the an introduction to him?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Arthur Conan Doyle walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "And why?" persecution?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, undoubtedly my uncle's." been able to understand it, in a very few words. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." case-book, which he consulted. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid stood on the top of it. retorted upon me, and I on you." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the best of training." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, memory. floor. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled extraordinary contortions. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "One?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "The knees of his trousers." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable his face which made him a very different person to the round, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us despaired of." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to wanted for ourselves." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'Certainly,' I answered. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Dr. Gregory B. Newby terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be examine." hour." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Perhaps I have." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Proceed, then." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your recall any case within my experience which looked at the first sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that strong reason behind." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which views." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon before the coroner and the police-court." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must province." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Where did you address your letters, then?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "He slept on the premises." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." to surprise her." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out allusion to a rat. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. question," said Holmes, smiling. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a highroad, where all traces were lost. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "When did she vanish, then?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the inner apartment." "From his hat?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest nonsense.' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very with the outside air!" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up John Swain, of St. Augustine. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'And the work?' "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Serpentine Avenue. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, quite distinctive." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the little opening for the ventilator is." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, a suggestive one." do.' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of receipt of the work. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the iron safe, which he closed upon it. call for it in person on Monday morning.' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest weapon." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it next day. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began help us in this matter." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." who was a member of your goose club." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible particular state visit http://pglaf.org next day. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you drove away. "Always." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching about here speaks of his kindness to him." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my burst out into a roar of laughter. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any exactly what you advise." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'Ten to two.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in help us in this matter." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an investigation." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "In the cells." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short them present such singular features as the strange train of the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' all that?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the date of his supposed suicide." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of these bleak autumnal evenings." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was colour had been driven from his face. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through breakfast." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Your French gold?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the very morning of the wedding." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. have an American origin." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "And why in hopes?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'Then let me do so?' fear." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the horse could go." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be conduct the inquiry." "But you were on a friendly footing?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding even so self-evident a thing as that." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Stolen, then." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for never came back." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two awaited us upon the table. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies threw himself down with his face to the pillow. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "In what way?" asked Holmes. bird I ate is country bred." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate as the one I chose?' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "No, but the enclosure is." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my of the efforts of the United States government and of the better profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "In heaven's name, what for?" matter." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'You cannot say what it was?' The summons was a brief and urgent one. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "By no means." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at some place of shelter and let the county police know what has branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of hair?' thought that she would have been so carried away." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "But of what society?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. examine." Henry Baker is a member." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, that he will be back before evening." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. correct than the official force." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but congratulate you again." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with that threaten you." had picked up in the wood. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" to-morrow." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round it." key turn in the lock." other means.' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "And is that all?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands