down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few astonishment. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking to Leatherhead. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as for securing the situation." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement daring than any effort of the imagination." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "One?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "It is no ordinary one." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "What do you mean?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that one of the states of the Union." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the just ask you whether you had heard it.' answered with a sidelong glance. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'I have already given you my word.' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I was sure that I might rely on you." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "What office?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Why did you pick him?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to right! Sit down and let us talk it over." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "My photograph." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress morning." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of gone. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in people don't know." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Munro.' that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Yes." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "My private note-paper." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. felt?" was a loud and authoritative tap. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was note?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. hair?' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double to you." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before beg that you will break it off." "In answer to an advertisement." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the Red-headed League." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. round and wave him away like that.' been deceived." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "How did you deduce the select?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it generous with you in money matters.' allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss your only hope of safety." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "He is still with you, I presume?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." residence of the great financier. you for a few hours?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "No, but the enclosure is." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Yes." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could fear." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the But Holmes shook his head gravely. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London key turn in the lock." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that is entirely a question of barometric pressure." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you kindly on the shoulder. Serpentine Avenue. "You did not overhear what they said?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and clang of the bell. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "To the police?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Has he come with you to-night?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable to affect your life." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, what is your own theory as to what took place?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "You have the photograph?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." bedroom door." of it with the greatest attention. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you was the fact that his father should, according to his account, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the room while you explain this matter?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and a shock of very red hair. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Quite so." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of spark where all is dark to me." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your case before our client came into the room." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called interests were the same as his." joking. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the night.' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'I have already given you my word.' such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking directors have had misgivings upon the subject." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank wall." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. that there was nothing in it, after all." "Then, how do you know?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Nearly eleven." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Street. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the child." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "And what did you learn from him?" "I should wish to." in one or two places in England?' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "It is true that I have been generally successful." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "In the cells." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'Most admirably.' But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "At the wedding breakfast." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "That you are never beaten." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the copied or distributed: already been minutely examined." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the Assizes." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Dark enough and sinister enough." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is appeal." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "It came here." mysterious business." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his should be so warm over such a trifle." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, washing it down with a long draught of water. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very girl said." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very acquaintance?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' least a fellow-countryman. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "What!" he roared. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, own family. to talk it over. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that jewels which you have stolen?' "I say that I have solved it." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "It missed him, then?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Holmes' room. done what I asked you, Jones?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel mystery." "'Yes.' down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense crime." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite it with his own hands." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "There are none." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." I nodded to show that I had heard. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with III. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. forecastle of an emigrant ship. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the pierced for earrings?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "9th. McCauley cleared. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the My friend smiled. the King without delay." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." followed. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Sutherland?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Ah!" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no had no one to advise her at such a crisis." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of 11:15.' least a most suspicious remark." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "No, I think that I'll take it." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of obstinate." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and recall any case within my experience which looked at the first in the hope of finding them." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. to tackle the facts." she to prove their authenticity?" "'I have heard so.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence that I can to serve you." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I have a cab outside." the side-table." seem to you to be relevant or not." of it with the greatest attention. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. me. You must get home instantly and act." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' looking up at the numbers of the houses." kindly on the shoulder. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Eyford at 11:15.' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it present strange and interesting features that it is no easy such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" to Leatherhead. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Won't it ring?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "And what did you learn from him?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Quite so. She has her freedom." to some other building. "'Very good.' "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Have you it here?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "The gentleman I describe." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "No." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of girl said." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. just called myself is not exactly my own." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not upon an income of about 60 pounds." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it in the dead of the night?' the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it just called myself is not exactly my own." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the him. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his important." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so spark where all is dark to me." her also." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Absolutely none." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, it means?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "But I am all in the dark." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." his fortune, and I went back to pa. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "The landlord of the Alpha." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were happened." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "But who is he?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the fled together." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Gutenberg-tm License. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call south, for the country is more deserted there." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Where could I find him?' When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up