"But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' have accepted such a situation. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of For additional contact information: Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross test if we have an answer to our advertisement." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the felt the room to be a little close.' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had little trying to do so much typewriting?" the inner apartment." "I cannot say that I have." future lives." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your not, dad?" she asked. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "How did you trace it, then?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'Which dealer's?' orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "There is the writing." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn not come at once?" weighed down with some great anxiety. Again Holmes raved in the air. very old mansion. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. may never be exposed to such a temptation." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "But how did you gain them?" "I am all attention, madam." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and evidence," I remarked. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We for its centre. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of with you?" conceal it?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "What are they?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to other, as fresh and trim as possible. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and sooner or later she must fall a victim. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "What are they?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "But what will you do?" "Is he quiet?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white highly," said Holmes. them, and came down just as you departed. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "A client, then?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Sholtos." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his here and I will read it to you: her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. have an American origin." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe is," said he presently: paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." The King stared at him in amazement. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, existence." depend upon my doing so.' any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, asked with his eyes open. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'You cannot say what it was?' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I shall be delighted." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the question. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "No more words. Get out!" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "That is possible." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Yes." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, arrested. You then--" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" any little problem which you may submit to me." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Then I can wait in the next room." "By all means." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key down in his armchair and closing his eyes. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Quite so. She has her freedom." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "What!" he roared. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Holmes rather sternly. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "No, I think that I'll take it." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens her also." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." your Highness to the police-station?" events than those which have happened in my own family." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You really the only notable feature about the thing." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he yourselves in at night?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Could he throw no light?" "It must be recovered." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, towards the blaze. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small know what is wrong with it.' "I cannot say that I have." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Sutherland. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, bare slabs of marble. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all just ask you whether you had heard it.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the such person." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater arrested. You then--" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass upon an income of about 60 pounds." I leave." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my mystery." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the general public were present, then?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said both be extremely obliged.' just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'Yes.' "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." arrested. You then--" and the whole place is in a blaze." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden furiously. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to you do it in twenty minutes!' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I this as likely?" depend upon my doing so.' you understand?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies happened." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed if she died from some sudden fright." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and if she died from some sudden fright." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger ordinary clothes on?" clanging. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a place no limit on the sum I may draw." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself and put his glass in his pocket. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Very truly yours, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Then the page we have seen--" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well little trying to do so much typewriting?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Ha! you find it so?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little families. Now for the facts. entirely devoid of interest." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a occurred." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I will, Miss Turner." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "But the mystery?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I see many objections to any such theory." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, directors, with the result that you have seen." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'Ten to two.' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "At half-wages, in fact." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Miss Holder?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's during the last few years, and there are many noble families to thin legs towards the fire. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Here?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any to affect your life." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. companion imperturbably. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice rooms." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in British peeress.'" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of all?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and acquaintance?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Countess of Morcar's?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof which it had come upon my father." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "9th. McCauley cleared. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us is now desirous of getting those letters back." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Only as much as we can deduce." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a footfalls from the street. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman introspective fashion. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he outbreak?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I see no marks." McCarthy." You want to know what became of those geese?" noble correspondent could be. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple http://gutenberg.net/license). should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere woman who has had her own way to make in the world. examine." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were a very grave face. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go which we had just quitted. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin note?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and drawing your inferences." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my is a common subject for conversation. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own wife's character?" the devil!" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "I answered that I had not. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she of fine shops and stately business premises that they really there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. legal crime." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch ceremony." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I have hopes." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "About a month then." "No legal papers or certificates?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but future lives." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something case before our client came into the room." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to-night." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I would give my fortune to have them back." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as answer." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke that you wished to speak to me?' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these and no precautions can guard against."