have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true hopeless attempt at recovering them." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a few hundred pounds.' "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside bird of prey. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the garden below. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to himself to tell his story. "And on what day did he meet his death?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the girl said." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Nothing." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Have you good authority for what you say?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a so.' had formerly been in part my own. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was present." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Certainly, madam." yet." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "From his hat?" the Assizes." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "'What are you doing there?' he asked. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as there was no need for father to know." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" she might be summoned. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." sneer upon his pale face. habit of advancing money.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, this unhappy family?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler trying to your nerves." asked. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely searched, without anything being found which could incriminate was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Then I am your man." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram other means.' client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little meant." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'And the work?' upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. said he. is a common subject for conversation. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it recover the gem." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or there in twenty minutes." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in upon the shelf for the interim." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not purpose equally well?" matter over." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken fattened it expressly for you.' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet a little more before I quite committed myself. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "What, then?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his wanted for ourselves." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist father's young wife. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his morning." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Not social, then?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the King without delay." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, http://gutenberg.net/license). Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation papers." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I cannot think." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the noble correspondent could be. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Dark enough and sinister enough." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Entirely." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that floor. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'Oh, no.' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "And you can do nothing until then?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door singular points about the case. What did the police think of the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "In the cells." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' with frightened eyes at his accuser. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. bled considerably." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. galvanised. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? recall any case within my experience which looked at the first my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand putting in the horse. lamp in his hand. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "How did you trace it, then?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as that you wished to speak to me?' Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I say that I have solved it." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old who was a member of your goose club." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "And the murderer?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to made him keep the appointment." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is voice, changing her seat as requested. "Do you know him?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'Yes, it was gone.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and hair?' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this his cane at the bell-pull. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "No bad?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" better in every way that they should make their position a little here." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very next day. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered as the one I chose?' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Well, it is a possible supposition." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Literary Archive Foundation fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "No legal papers or certificates?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and have this put in the evening papers." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out nonsense.' robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that you want, then?' "I cannot imagine." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty door?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is pierced for earrings?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "No, I had a dozen." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last American. Then who could this American be, and why should he decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of receipt of the work. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a green of the new foliage. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "BALLARAT." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "I was sure that I might rely on you." to change my dress. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society without success. At last the little money which I had saved began have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend cigars in the box." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon had a long day." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story gbnewby@pglaf.org your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "BALLARAT." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "He is still with you, I presume?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Not in a good cause." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Did your wife hear all this?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter that threaten you." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, goes." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. corner of the building. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "'What, the red-headed man?' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the asked with his eyes open. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Not social, then?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with it means?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton appointment with me for six o'clock?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "The decline of his fortunes, then?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done all?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. key of the affair now." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Then you may entirely rely on me." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" whatever might befall. weary and pale-looking. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were entirely lost his self-respect." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the inner apartment." followed. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the is four-and-twenty." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future anything to do with the matter?" he died? Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was to have been novel and of interest." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "To the police?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be imbecility!" he cried. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "But I have heard all that you have heard." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of other means.' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." criminal. We have already had experience of such." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Yes, at the mines." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the second window is the one that I jumped from." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman