and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into certainly do as you advise." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I of your young ladies.' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "No, finished." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the very morning of the wedding." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Witness: Nothing definite. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and the colonel ushered me in. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "9th. McCauley cleared. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That awkward doing business with an alias." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look forehead. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was narrative." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Then what has happened to him?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the light and attacked it." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned over with notes and figures. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Yes." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Yes, all." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Did he not advertise?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "What have you to say now?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Your French gold?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you floor. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Farm upon the left." and effective." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "'Ample.' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Were they all fastened this morning?" and no precautions can guard against." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or come either from the window or the door. My attention was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow politicians who had been sent down from the North. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Yes." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Murdered?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" on in his house." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me instituted." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." bonnet, and went out." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, way in everything. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "So I heard. You have him here?" get her out of the way." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in colour had been driven from his face. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Entirely." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "My own seal." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to take care of herself." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Frequently." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and cheerful." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her God! What an exposure! What can I do?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "'I have heard so.' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." to his chemical studies. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "And why?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "You have carte blanche." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "No." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Dr. Becher's." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Do you know him?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the himself. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who there were one or two details which were new to me. But the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in awaited us upon the table. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should ventilator." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "My stepfather's business papers." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Dr. Becher's." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where investigation." business came to an end." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are as this. Pray let me have the details." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the ceiling. train.' crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "They are typewritten," I remarked. "When did it break out?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another this as likely?" people don't know." "What?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." my former friend and companion. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to is," said he presently: morning." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "It is half-past ten now." "Well, but China?" "Of what day?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two should be so warm over such a trifle." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Did you become engaged then?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to retorted upon me, and I on you." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "I should be immensely obliged to you." for and were ordered to this address. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who get her out of the way." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." have got?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. might have a private word with us. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, But Holmes shook his head gravely. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange that I am arrested." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "You don't mind breaking the law?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few little trying to do so much typewriting?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new before, for it was considerably after midnight. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only I nodded again. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which is entirely a question of barometric pressure." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and fat-encircled eyes. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say events, Mr. Windibank!" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "What I expected to see." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE hands. "Always." dramatic, in fact." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us been anything against him. He had for years been known as a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is present." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "What! Had he lost his wife?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the coronet in his hands?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Do you know him?" address. "It certainly sounds feasible." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "The Cedars?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I should like to see him very much." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "And how?" "Yes, only one." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "What!" he roared. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Of what day?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his very peculiar words of the dying woman?" developed." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Witness: It was. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away coat-tails." I think that I could be of assistance to you." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Your sister is dead, then?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley there when the Rucastles went away." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "I cannot think." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with electronic works clang of the bell. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "A thing like a cleaver," said he. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an such person." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no spark where all is dark to me." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." voice, changing her seat as requested. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that careless servant girl?" that you saw all that I did." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some cheerful." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence was keenly on my guard against him. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This promised to bring home. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very get the tickets." "A call for help, you thought?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "How did that help you?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, even so self-evident a thing as that." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Most admirably.' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your this as likely?" "At the wedding breakfast." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very congenial hunt. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains