the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not said he at last. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own round with crates and massive boxes. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. question," said Holmes, smiling. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "One?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a very morning of my second wedding." "I will get her to show me." might help us?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his existence." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Surrey." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I know where it is." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Never." never will be, entirely cleared up. felt?" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "An enemy?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally direction." which it had come upon my father." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "And what did you see?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no will he say when he returns?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "But you have hopes?" which it had come upon my father." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his case-book, which he consulted. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the may never be exposed to such a temptation." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "You horrify me." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I don't believe it." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the salesman. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned troubles have been weighing upon his mind. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "We have tried and failed." Heh?' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, enter Dr. Roylott's room." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," I shall communicate with you." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate her also." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at cigar and let me expound." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is examine." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." for the market.' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very how narrow had been my escape. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was breakfast and whispered something to her husband. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. been." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call absorbing." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Did he not advertise?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a politicians who had been sent down from the North. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person know all about it," he snarled. "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the window, rose as we entered. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much three fields round his house, and there he would take his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them with the outside air!" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "It is very kind of you." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was should be so warm over such a trifle." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter was a loud and authoritative tap. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Certainly, madam." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "What are they?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was that threaten you." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this matter." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. indiscretion." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric fatally injured? paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the washing it down with a long draught of water. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of your room." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs paper in the air. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope discontent upon his features. "What do you mean?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I nothing with him." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed papers." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its roused himself from his reverie. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him particular state visit http://pglaf.org I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and and all of them with the keenest interest. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means him, that man would not have given me such complete information It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital of campaign. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Not yet." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "I see no marks." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his you in your example." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my them, and came down just as you departed. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, not, dad?" she asked. round with crates and massive boxes. such attractions and accomplishments?' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe hard-headed British jury." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Yes." of the vacancies.' chamber." it. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident 11:15.' relation between them, and what the object of his repeated feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Yes, sir." "Where to?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that to take care of herself." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Yes, at the mines." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, occurred." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the quite distinctive." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have be there in time for your coming." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Certainly." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with just ask you whether you had heard it.' inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with which we had just quitted. that you can jump it.' and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more asked. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed breakfast and whispered something to her husband. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Yes, all." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at to that open window." you in your example." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Not particularly." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the it means?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Of what day?" the side-table." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." strength." dates and names. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "No. His orders were to stay in the house." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I will do it." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "You have a clue?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only The note was undated, and without either signature or address. one else, I think." that he has suffered." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and indeed which he could not unravel. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I have hopes." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, gives a meaning to it." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Street. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," were wasted." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable not, dad?" she asked. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "And how did you verify them?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "And leave your case unfinished?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have The summons was a brief and urgent one. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "10th. John Swain cleared. "I cannot as yet see any connection." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the gone. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness fuss that is made over them." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I was lame." chill to my heart. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while any." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," papers must be those that are destroyed.' one else, I think." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet DISSOLVED. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips forbidden door. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her."