"9th. McCauley cleared. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of morning." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with lost nothing by them." "But how?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been stammered. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack outbreak?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked foresight and the moral retrogression?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." introspective fashion. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "How are you getting on?" "It is very kind of you." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past corner of the building. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a said he. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "My Mary? Impossible!" populous neighbourhood." "Deserted you?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me I shall continue with my miserable story. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "You horrify me!" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my could not have written that. It is the German who is so "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and the church but not where the lady lived." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round next day. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal never came back." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." populous neighbourhood." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "He is still with you, I presume?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his coat-tails." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the coroner come to?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of any more." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more have been better. It is all right." photograph a cabinet?" "What! a murderous attack?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my horse could go." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum be. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the investigation." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as tell me that you intended to go into harness." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there never came back." papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Certainly." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on through." "Certainly." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" here and I will read it to you: in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and to me. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as held up the lantern and gazed about him. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." very morning of my second wedding." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "And what then?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is observed. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. points to suicide?" remarked. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell signal between you and your father? always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." into the room. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." events than those which have happened in my own family." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the o'clock is it?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." garden below. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination until night should bring an explanation. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to voice. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "I shall be delighted." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "What office?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the ceiling. "This photograph!" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had question," said Holmes, smiling. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am later, upon the night of May 2nd." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the something of him before." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her about here speaks of his kindness to him." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous said he. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "You will not go there first?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of do.' knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun and glanced through. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a window when the police appeared." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had never to learn it at all." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I have a cab outside." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fish-monger and a tide-waiter." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very said I. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian you do it in twenty minutes!' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed it." "I have come for advice." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "You forget that I know nothing about it." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. best detective that ever lived. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "And help." maiden herself was most instructive." "My stepfather's business papers." generous with you in money matters.' "By all means." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. trying to your nerves." some water from a caraffe. "Was she in good spirits?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "It missed him, then?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "In what way?" asked Holmes. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he south, for the country is more deserted there." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, sufficient punishment." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has interests were the same as his." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free straighten it?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." quick march!" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with relation between them, and what the object of his repeated every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Here?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any and laid it on the table. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it have I gained?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "I cannot say that I have." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Young McCarthy must be got off, however." meant." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not of campaign. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You have a clue?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little beyond words. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in was shining brightly. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were then?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just good-night and bustled off upon her way. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "It is very kind of you." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the purpose equally well?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and effective." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year This is what he says: With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "But to whom?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "My stepfather's business papers." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' him to be an active member of the medical profession." you understand?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "But we can't all be." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you and inquire as to the address." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of started for the Temple to see my husband. "The doctor?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his you came in." "Well, but China?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Again Holmes raved in the air. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "In San Francisco, a year ago." his wife has ceased to love him." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue leave you to your papers for a little." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Whose house is it?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Perhaps I have." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The License. You must require such a user to return or "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Proceed, then." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a be. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought minor matters until to-morrow." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's was keenly on my guard against him. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "To the police?"