silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Edgeware Road. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate for securing the situation." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, him!" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "The best possible." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm British peeress.'" not personally threatened." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it into the room. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I call it cruel." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Surrey." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and paper in the air. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away investigation." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for nonsense.' "I am about to be married." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I were unconscious?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: one of the states of the Union." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of awaited us upon the table. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. indeed happy." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the about. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his whole matter to your consideration." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' plantation.' are windows in it, of course?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp burst out into a roar of laughter. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so seen the man in the road." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a or other trace. But how on earth--" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, long narrative. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "You have but to name it." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden in the port of London." "It surprised me." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Street. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the business came to an end." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do you?' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between from the brougham. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "That was it, sir." "Not in a good cause." brain must have something in it." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "But I have heard all that you have heard." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his three fields round his house, and there he would take his "'Then let me do so?' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary page at http://pglaf.org glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He in a very precise fashion." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Mrs. Toller serenely. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened front of the hall door has given its name to the place. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Not I." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, young Openshaw's." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Miss Holder?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. whole matter to your consideration." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Foundation "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." girl said." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp nonsense.' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "And you thought he was pulled back?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Upon what point?" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert possible that we could bring him back to her? "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a about here speaks of his kindness to him." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his words came to my lips. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then looking up at the numbers of the houses." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Then I shall certainly come." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. lumber-room." correct than the official force." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into over part of the map. "What do you read?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "ARAT," I read. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Dirty?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very McCarthy." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a may have an influence upon European history." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his constraint." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "No, thank goodness, she did not." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty triumphant cloud from his cigarette. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled presume?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Well, it is a possible supposition." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "None." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, was keenly on my guard against him. "But she will refuse." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune over with notes and figures. orange pips. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to his chemical studies. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Yes, from Horsham." indeed which he could not unravel. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of something of him before." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning unclasping of his long thin hands. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when vague figure huddled up in the darkness. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the investigation." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a round with crates and massive boxes. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves is now desirous of getting those letters back." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Yes." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity habit of advancing money.' have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce mystery!" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "I have a cab outside." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Well." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of and it need not interfere very much with one's other your own bird, so if you wish--" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. call it cruel." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he had died away into the silence from which it rose. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked just ask you whether you had heard it.' smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "My stepfather's business papers." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "It is possible." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a never to learn it at all." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than said I. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right have an American origin." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Yes, sir." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a murdered man." awkward doing business with an alias." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. are, and they are waiting for us." such person." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "The doctor?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it long narrative. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences six. Come in!" would apply.' "'And the work?' "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of it were putty." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Where does the thing come from?' homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than again on its way. "You horrify me!" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin,