springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Foundation "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of there in twenty minutes." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. he died? Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "I shall most certainly do so." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "You horrify me!" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "By train from Waterloo." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "One of his hands." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Count Von Kramm." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a salesman. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which which was all perfectly true. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. there is a decided draught." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his disappearance of these gems?" coat-tails." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without again." "My dear Holmes!" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. to you." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Who was the criminal, then?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and conduct the inquiry." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the tragedy. so.' the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Then I do not see the point." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I should like to see him very much." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I said Mr. Holder. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "By all means." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set it were putty." skylight. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when before, for it was considerably after midnight. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Witness: It was. over part of the map. "What do you read?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against new acquaintance to Baker Street. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls congenial hunt. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Certainly." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "But his lameness?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three secret." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera would apply.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'Where could I find him?' Chief Executive and Director you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "And from a noble client?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org you." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Certainly." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "In which, sir?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but next day. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, he. "I think it very unlikely." situation." for the market.' card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this his eyes and forehead. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the coroner come to?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, rat could hardly pass through." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that only touch the interest." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a plantation.' he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'You cannot say what it was?' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may out." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very been lifted and conveyed somewhere." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in case before our client came into the room." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington lost nothing by them." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "You did not overhear what they said?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "How are you getting on?" galvanised. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the King without delay." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there place no limit on the sum I may draw." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "My dear Holmes!" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Dark enough and sinister enough." during that time.' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Witness: I must still refuse. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and no precautions can guard against." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred vault. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Then how many are there?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water congratulate you again." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking himself. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this at home. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three appointment with me for six o'clock?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more I approached. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your arrangements." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away awkward doing business with an alias." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of spare." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "When did it break out?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to some other building. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and bled considerably." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, an introduction to him?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Dr. Becher's." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in compunction about shooting them down." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "So I have heard." least a fellow-countryman. annoyance, but no jest. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "He slept on the premises." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Because he was handy and would come cheap." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner following enigmatical notices: "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but later, upon the night of May 2nd." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "What, then?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, three fields round his house, and there he would take his of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, strength of mind to control. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered could not have written that. It is the German who is so spare." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to go from here to the Strand." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already a little more before I quite committed myself. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My present." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and fasten all the windows?" "What are they?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "By no means." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Pray let us have it, for all that." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." said he. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Yes." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis to-night's adventure." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to more terrible than the truth. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a arrangements." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "No." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "By no means." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged in this note: "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as figure." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it arms and began to sob in a high treble key. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the driver. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I have hopes." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of own family. some city in a dream. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen he bowed and left the room without another word. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "And how in the world did you find them?" depend upon my doing so.' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Holmes' thin, eager face. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "But your client--" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when there has been an enclosure here!" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had taking in every detail of the apartment. so.' front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yes." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'How far from the body?' humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of him to be an active member of the medical profession." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You skylight. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. success. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "What then?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE would apply.' strong reason behind." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you prove to be little relation between the different incidents of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have four million human beings all jostling each other within the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." business?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be conduct the inquiry." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind,"