"Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It sufficient punishment." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." The summons was a brief and urgent one. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you chance at all." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been who was a member of your goose club." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Your presence might be invaluable." made his money." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "No." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I him, that man would not have given me such complete information The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'You doubt its value?' he asked. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still must compliment you." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the not within a twentieth part of the market price." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the conduct the inquiry." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he some water from a caraffe. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the that you can jump it.' ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'Most admirably.' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Yes." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some burst out into a roar of laughter. "In answer to an advertisement." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "And why?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was From what you have told me I think that it is possible that who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "What can it mean?" I gasped. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and advice." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I least a most suspicious remark." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the outside." "And how did he make his money?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life During two years I have had three consultations and one small pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "The rest you will leave in our hands." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Then he might have called to you?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Chief Executive and Director Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "There is the writing." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door bled considerably." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his *** START: FULL LICENSE *** sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but you found me to-night--and running through the front room she should be taken.' nonsense.' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "And what then?" morning." mystery may be cleared along those lines." "The landlord of the Alpha." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as rose-bushes. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it seven miles from Eyford Station.' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "'Not at all. I only doubt--' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it business came to an end." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Farm upon the left." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, to miss it." strength." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I at my own good fortune. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." do you make of it all?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Never." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would closing the door. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this weary and pale-looking. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard had formerly been in part my own. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." his face which made him a very different person to the round, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here will take you up to see the machine.' headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'And what salary do you ask?' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Precisely." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Yes, certainly." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "One of the highest in England." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend village inn over there?" "But of what society?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was papers on the sundial.'" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Yes. He waved his hands." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too down from London to inquire more deeply into it." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'Yes, it was gone.' he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried night.' said he. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows that before taking the final step I should like to submit the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Not him." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Your sister is dead, then?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." daring than any effort of the imagination." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the devil!" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend You want to know what became of those geese?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that happened." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and have established a very serious case against the son of the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the your only hope of safety." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'Yes.' was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a system of imprisonment?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the observed. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." here." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' him to go away.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Where to?' relation between them, and what the object of his repeated o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Thank you. And your address?" "You will not go there first?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Pray do so." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing conceal it?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a companion. hurried away. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back done what I asked you, Jones?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave meant it for the best. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Where does the thing come from?' "Won't it ring?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker him." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of was not a bird to be seen there. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "What I expected to see." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "9th. McCauley cleared. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" which it had come upon my father." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the stable lane now." crackling voice. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us tear off another piece?' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Eh? What was that?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "How many? I don't know." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. to have that photograph." indiscretion." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he have got?" "'Certainly not. But why?' bearing upon the case." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Game for a morning drive?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first I have it here in my museum." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "In which, sir?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front place, I think that there is good ground to think that the against a man in the prime of life?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the way in everything. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the ceiling. which are rolled in Rotterdam." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Have you her photograph?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Was there a secret marriage?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was purpose of examination. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in was lame." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Never." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were used to be." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "One of the highest in England." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his not use it unless it is absolutely needed." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "What are they?" hands. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" made his money." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." retorted upon me, and I on you." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I you?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in when you have done it." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face train from Paddington which would bring you there at about may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold of his shoulders. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Pray do so." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be get her out of the way." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Where is it, then?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of up this clue while it is still hot." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his that he will be back before evening." arrangements." think that he is innocent?" without a word or a look. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I cannot imagine." lost nothing by them." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but than was visible to me." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the are, I think, all that we need." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could despair." telegram would bring me down to your help." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel before the coroner and the police-court." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the burst into a hearty fit of laughter.