window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "I would pay ten." the coronet in his hands?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without corner of the building. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent my secret was safe in his possession. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer as he remarks, very much against the son." "Married! When?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin said I. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the house with me." Farm upon the left." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already might have a private word with us. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Certainly, madam." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "I am armed." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "It missed him, then?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Your French gold?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "And how?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Did you observe the colour?" help us in this matter." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one noting anything else of interest. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Upon what point?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the man. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds suggested at once that there must be a communication between the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "And why?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." directly by questioning you." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Yes, sir.' whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "What will you say?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "If so, much may have happened between." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "A call for help, you thought?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Of what?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' clanging. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Frequently." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about absorbing." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. green of the new foliage. stood on the top of it. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a correct than the official force." once more to my work. weighed down with some great anxiety. "What steps will you take?" I asked. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging excitement. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Yes." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the client, rising. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. coroner's jury." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Here?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough my former friend and companion. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and character. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the loss of it. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to to-night." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "There are none." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Yes." "Precisely." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." once more to my work. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been entirely lost his self-respect." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt reach." dates and names. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Yes, all." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Not in a good cause." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "None." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Of Friday, June 19th." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "You heard nothing yourself last night?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as in darkness. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Very well, sir. And this stone?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your held up the lantern and gazed about him. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat John Swain, of St. Augustine. "The Coroner: What do you mean? breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "An enemy?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. compunction about shooting them down." "You saw the ventilator, too?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Have you her photograph?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was politicians who had been sent down from the North. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and laid it on the table. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, front of me. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our other lovers by making love himself." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "My dear Holmes!" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to take care of herself." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "What is it, then--a fire?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Why, what do you mean?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I indeed happy." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE careless servant girl?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "The murder was done with it." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Deserted you?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Can I be of assistance?" such person." "Your sister is dead, then?" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble leave you to your papers for a little." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'There is a drive, then?' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Bought." "'Ample.' empty. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Her father is very rich?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the matters immensely." "You have but to name it." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, shall not find me ungrateful." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case other, as fresh and trim as possible. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me shall not find me ungrateful." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Pope's Court, Fleet Street." drawing your inferences." opened the door, and slipped through. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "I have solved it." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save results." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I will, Miss Turner." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "BALLARAT." soul! here is her carriage at the door." Heh?' tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "We must have a cab." too. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "'Never,' said I. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of it." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. correct than the official force." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "ARAT," I read. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "What will you do, then?" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "What will you do, then?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Count Von Kramm." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of is worth.' this unhappy family?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town have an American origin." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a go back?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "My dear Holmes!" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her *** START: FULL LICENSE *** husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning should be taken.' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I upon an income of about 60 pounds." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred long narrative. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very enough to aid us in our search." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Dr. Gregory B. Newby would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; shoulder; "he's all right." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Come in!" said Holmes. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another key of the affair now." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very attention." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I his cane at the bell-pull. Arthur Conan Doyle consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey at my remark. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which letters?"