"That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would neither fascinating nor artistic." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this which we had just quitted. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." him to go away.' "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "But he might be a bachelor." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'No, I know no one in these parts.' matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "And the cigar-holder?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which that there was nothing in it, after all." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite as he remarks, very much against the son." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of there was no need for father to know." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "My private note-paper." to you." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I will do it." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be meant it for the best. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Yes." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the room while you explain this matter?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. more terrible than the truth. not come at once?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Yes." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, late." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK like that before?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive notes," he said. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest touch that coronet?' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Quite so. She has her freedom." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar are, I think, all that we need." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "May I see it?" the best of training." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw I. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried which I could not give. He asked for Alice. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is this as likely?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the some city in a dream. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Frequently." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "An enemy?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if is worth.' his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'In my own bureau.' tension within him. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a upon an income of about 60 pounds." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not flock.' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, questioning and rather startled gaze. bearing upon the case." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door not personally threatened." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he is," said he presently: active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly annoyance, but no jest. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Because he was handy and would come cheap." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock light and attacked it." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." like that before?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the hurried by. and no precautions can guard against." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Pray continue your narrative." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "The Coroner: What do you mean? "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Precisely." "No good news?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to tightly behind him. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not you came in." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging http://gutenberg.net/license). "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of society." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "But how?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders notes," he said. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over For additional contact information: "And for present expenses?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. are windows in it, of course?" Eyford at 11:15.' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Here?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb McCarthy." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "His face fell immediately. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Yes, it would be as well." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left about here speaks of his kindness to him." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and your relations to her." there is a decided draught." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." points to suicide?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the have been better. It is all right." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without people don't know." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is golden eyeglasses. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Yes, at the mines." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "But it has twice been burgled." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Sholtos." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I cannot think." was it brought him the coronet? "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I taking in every detail of the apartment. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "What can you not understand?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I said he, "my real name is James Ryder." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Yes, it was twisted." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the Assizes." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their to tell." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "That is possible." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "But of what society?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. more terrible than the truth. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to voice, changing her seat as requested. companion. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." I shall communicate with you." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and house for five minutes.' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a hopeless attempt at recovering them." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face gentleman's clothes. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down page at http://pglaf.org compunction about shooting them down." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "How did he come?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the there has been an enclosure here!" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I assure you that I am in your hands." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the warnings." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no you." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the friend's singular character. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he 'please.'" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "No legal papers or certificates?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, hurried away. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "So I am. Very much so." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old questioning and rather startled gaze. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project appeal." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Stoke Moran?" said he. chance at all." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for throat." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom breakfast?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you photograph?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to enter Dr. Roylott's room." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "No." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "No sign of it?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable as yours." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me begin with, and I had not got mine yet." eavesdroppers?' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "None." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, to talk it over. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the more solid." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that fuss that is made over them." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" companion quietly. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good for and were ordered to this address. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Miss Holder?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "But your client--" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "What are they?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "But his left-handedness." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when to miss it." weighed down with some great anxiety. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "I think that it is very probable." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as miles off. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** so.' collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such it were putty." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. The King stared at him in amazement. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its back to my heart. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low asked. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to careless servant girl?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then maid will bring up your coffee." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you flock.' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of was shining brightly. wedding?" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Then he might have called to you?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Dark enough and sinister enough." which it had come upon my father." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better was lame." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I him."