his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without notes," he said. business came to an end." is a common subject for conversation. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Pray continue your narrative." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Stolen." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" will be renamed. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. him, that man would not have given me such complete information they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Your sister is dead, then?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed once more. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "What can you not understand?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from morning." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about silent! Oh, he will be silent!' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "The Coroner: What do you mean? "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my held up the lantern and gazed about him. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Never." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet very morning of my second wedding." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the congratulate you again." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and enough to aid us in our search." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am could gather together that I was able to avert another public "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have goes." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding tell him that I know him to be innocent." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'I have already given you my word.' by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain has little to do with my story." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon quick march!" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment see me here to avoid scandal." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to will he say when he returns?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "The best possible." me have 200 pounds?' here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Project Gutenberg-tm works. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael habit of advancing money.' "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would particular state visit http://pglaf.org drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Have you good authority for what you say?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock front of the hall door has given its name to the place. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all interests were the same as his." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever attention." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the results." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his when your master had gone out." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Pray continue your narrative." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. his huge brown hands. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly hard-headed British jury." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the it." "Not I." the roots. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive never came back." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The redistribution. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking The King stared at him in amazement. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an forbidden door. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while crackling voice. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court stalked out of the room. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his works. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course learned something! Where are the gems?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I started for the Temple to see my husband. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I you." For additional contact information: including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was golden eyeglasses. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to strong and stiff." jewels which you have stolen?' clanging. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored knowledge of the world." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set upon the sideboard." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, before the coroner and the police-court." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, page at http://pglaf.org overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was there has been an enclosure here!" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "No legal papers or certificates?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed swore that no one else had been in the front room during the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Precisely." definite end. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear American. Then who could this American be, and why should he tassel actually lying upon the pillow. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. six. Come in!" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to his chemical studies. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "And when will you call?" child?' an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and criminal. We have already had experience of such." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." you came in." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'About the same.' "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "What then?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." it." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Stoke Moran." seem to you to be relevant or not." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the charged with?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently to his chemical studies. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the rooms." happened." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than I think that I could be of assistance to you." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to you." "Perhaps we may make them less so." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Holmes' thin, eager face. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, made his money." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "But his lameness?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers your Highness to the police-station?" with her." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I will get her to show me." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'Yes, sir.' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, and effective." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Why did you beat the pavement?" any." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of hand, madam?" criminal. We have already had experience of such." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the do." "No bad?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of this poor creature." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "And now?" I asked. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an McCarthy's innocence. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "By train from Waterloo." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the way in everything. "'Certainly,' I answered. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Pray continue your narrative." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "In heaven's name, what for?" security.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project death." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason to tell." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended weapon." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'Never,' said I. I was concerned in it." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he interest. They are important, you understand, without being right! Sit down and let us talk it over." begun to whiten, even as mine has." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand You want to know what became of those geese?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "A call for help, you thought?" directors, with the result that you have seen." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab newspaper selections." Leadenhall Street--and--" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the about here speaks of his kindness to him." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Yes, but only for you and me." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "VIOLET HUNTER." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely coroner's jury." straightened it out again. details." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "'There is a drive, then?' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "'What then?' I asked. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed