than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, mystery." Foundation "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "About a month then." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "And help." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have kind enough to tell me what I should do." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I them?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Munro.' by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' entirely lost his self-respect." the bed, and you in that chair." from the brougham. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Were they all fastened this morning?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have opened the door, and slipped through. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "What, then, did Peterson do?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in sooner or later she must fall a victim. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of outbreak?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "On Monday." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Always." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "And how?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no I nodded to show that I had heard. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been useful material for showing traces. The double line a little of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in this truth that in these little records of our cases which you hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet some mystery and the punishment of some crime." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem over with notes and figures. of a light. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the window, rose as we entered. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and wait." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and looked back. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope of the one which your family is now devouring." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Yes." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in detained." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up society." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" again, where I was soon asleep. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the Assizes." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "You think that he is dead?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "You horrify me!" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the there is a decided draught." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, goes." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come hand, madam?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Only as much as we can deduce." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while emerged. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "We must have a cab." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Did you become engaged then?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "What are they?" "It is solved." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "The landlord of the Alpha." "To ruin me." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the four million human beings all jostling each other within the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "And how did you find out?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "And how?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "To the police?" sake, don't!" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, your troubles." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I will, Miss Turner." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on a little more before I quite committed myself. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "And your mother is alive?" "No, I think that I'll take it." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and and that he would see to anything that turned up. people in all walks of life. passage and a tap at the door. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Holmes." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Never." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "My dear Holmes!" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of mystery." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "That is easily got." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off for its centre. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your an introduction to him?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "And the murderer?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had thin legs towards the fire. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. written, and locked the door of the office after me. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to hard-headed British jury." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return habit of advancing money.' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." that this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Chief Executive and Director cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "What have you to say now?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, go--none." hour?' but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Nothing?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall a very grave face. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I will not look." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary go from here to the Strand." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I into the room. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man were unconscious?" Eyford at 11:15.' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "But how did you gain them?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the I was concerned in it." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "The doctor?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Why serious?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning soul! here is her carriage at the door." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I think it very unlikely." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." 11:15.' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the driver. coroner's jury." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. case-book, which he consulted. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "But you can know nothing of this?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, chamber." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "10th. John Swain cleared. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Where did you address your letters, then?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of any little problem which you may submit to me." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with bachelor.' "You don't mind breaking the law?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in upon a handsome competence. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his through." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "By all means." to have that photograph." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole for its centre. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded pound a week." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the helping a boy to put up the shutters. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Witness: It was. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and glanced through. "What?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that here and I will read it to you: indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank villagers almost as much as their master. highly," said Holmes. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I cannot think." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Where could I find him?' purpose equally well?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. dead, shall be safe with us." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. 1.E.9. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the morning." "'And what salary do you ask?' conclusions. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face one of them." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "What then?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." your room." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have conclusions. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear noting anything else of interest. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the purpose of examination. mysterious business." the warnings." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely asked.