but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. be. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Can I be of assistance?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. together. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the a monotonous occupation." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" my room." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was you do it in twenty minutes!' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly horse could go." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and laid it on the table. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions 'I should be able to look after that for you.' client, rising. some terrible trap for her." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." shall use the carriage to-night." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to fatally injured? pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the a little more before I quite committed myself. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting envelope. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman John Swain, of St. Augustine. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "But how?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him been deceived." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the hardly wander." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the dangers which encompass me." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, for its centre. "I should be immensely obliged to you." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "A confidential servant?" events than those which have happened in my own family." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Edgeware Road. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "And what did you see?" fluttered off among the others. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "A greater distance to travel." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "One of his hands." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Serpentine Avenue. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "But his lameness?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search trying to your nerves." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "And why?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "But his lameness?" cost them two and thirty pounds." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "This concluded the examination of the witness." "When did she vanish, then?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. again, where I was soon asleep. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Then you may be so with me." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to without a word or a look. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Thank you. Pray proceed." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the system of imprisonment?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his round and wave him away like that.' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do guilty one." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "But she will refuse." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "And the cigar-holder?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "What then?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, she used." which was all perfectly true. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial me what he had done with the three missing stones. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "No." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, tail." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" http://gutenberg.net/license). that you saw all that I did." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that again on its way. "I was mad--insane." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted or in danger--" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I am about to be married." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an hour." "You don't mind breaking the law?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Clair, of Lee." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Why? What do you mean?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey upon the white wrist. cigar and let me expound." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own some city in a dream. "I will do it." quickly through a disagreeable task. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "My stepfather's business papers." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "My photograph." business." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He I think that I could be of assistance to you." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "That was it, sir." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "You don't mind breaking the law?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Well, it is a possible supposition." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Pool. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we second window is the one that I jumped from." seen the man in the road." "What shall I do?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she there were one or two details which were new to me. But the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'What then?' I asked. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases congenial hunt. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the so-precious time, but come!' he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "But what is it you wish?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Why, what do you mean?" in a very precise fashion." "No, finished." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and point in the dark hollow of his hand. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work of receipt of the work. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then man. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the child." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to empty. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the think that any burglar could have done. least a most suspicious remark." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "But how did you gain them?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is must compliment you." Have you good authority for what you say?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I will, Miss Turner." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his newspaper selections." touch that coronet?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who frequently gained my first real insight into the character of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking one which it was hard to resist. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. coat-tails." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. sound at heart." had this final quarrel? like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was correct than the official force." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'Where to?' there when the Rucastles went away." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he said Mr. Holder. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "A greater distance to travel." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make The telegram which we eventually received came late one night then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your since then to throw any light upon what became of him." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must was used.' permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Did you become engaged then?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a read it out to me." business?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the coat-tails." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country McCarthy's innocence. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid in one or two places in England?' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so