receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy certainly not very gracious." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'Where to?' "The rest you will leave in our hands." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. burst out into a roar of laughter. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Have you good authority for what you say?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter about. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable room. "But what is it you wish?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold works. out." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself a room. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there became a certainty. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Do you go out much in society?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of entirely lost his self-respect." soul! here is her carriage at the door." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped standing smiling on the door-step. I shall continue with my miserable story. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I horse could go." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do wedding?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all roused himself from his reverie. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away heavily into it. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "'You cannot say what it was?' correct than the official force." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge signal between you and your father? is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "It's nothing of the kind." cause to be." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this humiliation." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. back to my heart. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure British peeress.'" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were are windows in it, of course?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been fuss that is made over them." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of Fenchurch Street." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is clanging. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and go from here to the Strand." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "What, then?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a neither fascinating nor artistic." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "The gentleman I describe." delighted to hear it," he said. "Stolen." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has daring than any effort of the imagination." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'Quite sure, dad.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my helping a boy to put up the shutters. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Yes, the wine-cellar." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in said he at last. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were would then never go into court at all." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "An enemy?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Holmes' thin, eager face. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "'And the work?' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be within hail.' had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "How did you trace it, then?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if views." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were derbies." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they in this note: strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "What?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from bird of prey. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us occurred." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must question you as to those details which seem to me to be most lectures into a series of tales." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round clanging. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would questionable one." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say new acquaintance to Baker Street. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass cheerful." "You have the photograph?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the one's self under obligations.' opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Pray let us have it, for all that." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "You did not overhear what they said?" Holmes." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. asked. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the disturbance in my wife." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square DAMAGE. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. yards of it?' Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "What have you to say now?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Lee, in the county of Kent." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in to-night?' "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural works. See paragraph 1.E below. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who to that open window." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his conversation I have gathered that they have been married about particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "But it has twice been burgled." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and your relations to her." "'And the work?' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "How did he come?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "If I can be of use." "When did she vanish, then?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "My stepfather's business papers." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. of it with the greatest attention. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in unkempt, staring out at me. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the business at Coburg Square is serious." families. Now for the facts. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Then, how do you know?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Holmes." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that obstinate." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "There is the writing." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "What office?" pressing in one house as in another. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until indeed happy." address. whereabouts. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for you, my dear young lady?' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "He disappeared so suddenly." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable humiliation." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some so.' meanly of me." upon the shelf for the interim." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." not within a twentieth part of the market price." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "That is not always so easy." it." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Not yet." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "In the cells." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and effective." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "You have the photograph?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable my friend's incisive reasoning. meant it for the best. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big business in the City. She little knew what. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune papers on the sundial.'" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, eat it." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "And now?" He raised his hand. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Then I can wait in the next room." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, said he at last. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from neither fascinating nor artistic." "Then you may be so with me." help us in this matter." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been which was all perfectly true. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Only as much as we can deduce." "What, then?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "What then?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but everything which you would wish to know." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all was not a bird to be seen there. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "I think that it is very probable." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two conversation I have gathered that they have been married about note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' against a man in the prime of life?" awkward doing business with an alias." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the imbecility!" he cried. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be yards of it?' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of that threaten you." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but conduct the inquiry." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to to a light-house. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried this remarkable episode. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had bedroom door." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE completely overtopped every other consideration that we both ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the said I. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Here?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his look upon these things in a different way." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little wall." fait accompli?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Will you bet, then?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the locked." you in yours." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose appointment with me for six o'clock?" been with you?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Countess of Morcar's?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much what do you think they found in the pockets?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I to change my dress. "I came to find a friend." "Witness: Nothing definite. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off