said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is writing, and yet I know it well." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Well." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, should be so warm over such a trifle." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One trifles." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." him." have I gained?" married her." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east call the police, let the police find what they can.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat night.' said he. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "'And the work?' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "What do you make of that, Watson?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your such person." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. cigar and let me expound." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "To the police?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the at once, for I have only half an hour." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable him to go away.' "Come in!" said Holmes. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we with frightened eyes at his accuser. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Deserted you?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "It is solved." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I promise," said Holmes. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. meant." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from upon a handsome competence. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. asked. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with his grey eyes. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "What!" he roared. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," not, dad?" she asked. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "It is possible." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she done what I asked you, Jones?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "How did you deduce the select?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I say it is." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of fish-monger and a tide-waiter." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does fire. You quite follow me?" "It missed him, then?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right face and glided from the room. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them asked. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three strode off upon his way. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded may never be exposed to such a temptation." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "When did it break out?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I beg pardon." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem impression behind it as though a window had gently closed to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features sneer upon his pale face. girl said." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that my secret was safe in his possession. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "What I expected to see." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as situation." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old forebodings. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera carriage. It was a chestnut." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped washing it down with a long draught of water. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to do.' gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. forbidden door. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two rat could hardly pass through." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other out of this horrible affair." "We were both in the photograph." Leadenhall Street--and--" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "How long did she speak to this Alice?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Yes?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not retorted upon me, and I on you." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "But how could you guess what the motive was?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Nearly eleven." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but purpose equally well?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and prison!" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "But how will you look?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already to miss it." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Pray tell us what has happened to you." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project chamber." "Pray do so." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my bled considerably." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a shoulder; "he's all right." before, for it was considerably after midnight. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to status with the IRS. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Where did you address your letters, then?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, at once, for I have only half an hour." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off sufficient punishment." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Yes." "By no means." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the do." Sutherland. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I had formerly been in part my own. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it over with notes and figures. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Literary Archive Foundation send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed shoulder; "he's all right." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "ARAT," I read. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this open." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Of what?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Perhaps we may make them less so." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with straightened it out again. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "And why?" bird of prey. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, served to weaken the effect. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, vanished into the darkness. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "It missed him, then?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "And you can do nothing until then?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he 'please.'" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you would apply.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would I approached. "But it has twice been burgled." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all what do you think they found in the pockets?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There legal crime." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a would then never go into court at all." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of foresight and the moral retrogression?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "You saw the ventilator, too?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance hard-headed British jury." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a public press." companion. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually events, Mr. Windibank!" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." this man was intellectual?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the inquest, and which are worth considering." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "No, my brougham is waiting." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Foundation the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened indiscretion." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and works. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and overpowering excitement and concern. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else tassel actually lying upon the pillow. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the depend upon your compliance." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a lips." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "It goes to the housekeeper's room." 'please.'" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied said he. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss salesman. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to London for the present?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Dark enough and sinister enough." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" the King without delay." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Yes, I have one waiting." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls back into the street. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project he bowed and left the room without another word. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. is so. I know all about McCarthy." strong reason behind." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously in this note: of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news forehead. you in your example." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private is entirely a question of barometric pressure." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "And sit in the dark?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a key of the affair now."