the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and south, for the country is more deserted there." works. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "What have you done?" asked Holmes. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, For additional contact information: This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "That is possible." "Of what day?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll take the flies, but not before." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Lestrade of Scotland Yard." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "How on earth--" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle never to learn it at all." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his upon the white wrist. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a your most interesting statement." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'You cannot say what it was?' "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "And is that all?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, acquaintance?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Well, but China?" "'Quite sure, dad.' and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the may have an influence upon European history." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of side. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Quite so. She has her freedom." undoubtedly my uncle's." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Munro.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Game for a morning drive?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming begun to whiten, even as mine has." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." careless servant girl?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "You'll never persuade me to believe that." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, remarked. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their my special province." "'Stolen!' he cried. "I should be immensely obliged to you." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the had a long day." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Won't it ring?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this overpowering excitement and concern. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Is he quiet?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and have this put in the evening papers." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his it with his own hands." heavy and sharp instrument." that?' to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had there has been an enclosure here!" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "And did you observe any change in her then?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "'Not at all. I only doubt--' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, my former friend and companion. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked careless servant girl?" his cane at the bell-pull. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the man. I know him from the photograph." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting soul! here is her carriage at the door." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a matter." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "In San Francisco, a year ago." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It returned to France?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my you in your example." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Doctor, of the paper and the date." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Certainly." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure overpowering excitement and concern. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "My stepfather's business papers." father's young wife. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'Yes.' "She will not sell." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "It is a murder, then?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "No, I think that I'll take it." relief. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could case before our client came into the room." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, 'please.'" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "You horrify me." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Holmes' room. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my opened a pocket-book and took out a note. is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. there when the Rucastles went away." them present such singular features as the strange train of already been minutely examined." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "When did it break out?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from quickly through a disagreeable task. your equipment. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Did he not advertise?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'About the same.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I say it is." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' lost his Christmas dinner." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If October 9, 1890. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Game for a morning drive?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, only one." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Arthur Conan Doyle As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Not particularly." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Quite so. She has her freedom." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the learned something! Where are the gems?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the into the bag, and made for the door. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that friends, not even his own brother. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover four million human beings all jostling each other within the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he amused." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss three of the beryls in it, was missing. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The hand, madam?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Where did you address your letters, then?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, nothing with him." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it help us in this matter." nothing of it?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "But how will you look?" "Precisely." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Stoke Moran." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "How long did she speak to this Alice?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "You forget that I know nothing about it." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a had formerly been in part my own. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Was your sister dressed?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building second." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is second." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten page at http://pglaf.org "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no will take you up to see the machine.' 'please.'" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "In heaven's name, what for?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be page at http://pglaf.org us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy to where he stood hid behind the curtain. which we had just quitted. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I business." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the footfalls from the street. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Will you go?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "No." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be peculiar to him. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect crackling voice. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to invisible to me," I remarked. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle what I may call a really hard day's work." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "And now?" I asked. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the my little problems." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and name is different." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me his eyes and forehead. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest coroner's jury." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "How can you tell that?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a is now desirous of getting those letters back." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at had formerly been in part my own. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I warn you that they are very incomplete." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years know all about it," he snarled. some city in a dream. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies think that he is innocent?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at open." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the dangers which encompass me." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the stable lane now." I think that I could be of assistance to you." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "And how did he make his money?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Pray continue your narrative." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when have established a very serious case against the son of the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had in his power. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few train.' of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw nothing with him." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near forbidden door. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our habit of advancing money.' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the into the bag, and made for the door. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" have I gained?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "You horrify me!" keep the flames under. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your