usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform a suggestive one." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Pray do so." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather to me. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had What do you deduce from it?" were wasted." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "The rest you will leave in our hands." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note information in his hands the value of which he did not himself like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear little adventures." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Holmes. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet your only hope of safety." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be acquaintance?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, is now desirous of getting those letters back." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and no precautions can guard against." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "No, finished." bell. Holmes whistled. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. to Leatherhead. "Not social, then?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the the driver. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you would apply.' the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." some water from a caraffe. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the bled considerably." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." in his power. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "It was an hour's good drive." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very presented more singular features than that which was associated mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "If I can be of use." served to weaken the effect. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his already been minutely examined." house for five minutes.' young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had to-night?' them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. of them has the shutters up.' get the tickets." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting down from London to inquire more deeply into it." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "How do you know, then?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of point our research must commence, and we will begin it by has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, must be when I saw the door open.' and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I would give my fortune to have them back." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the running down." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "'Certainly not.' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "It is half-past ten now." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to not come at once?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion what do you think they found in the pockets?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six bell. Holmes whistled. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Well, it is a possible supposition." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I am to be neutral?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at if only as a check to my own memory." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Project Gutenberg-tm works. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Yes, they were peculiar boots." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "And the cigar-holder?" to change my dress. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "That is possible." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a them?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Yes, the wine-cellar." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. ran thus: sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I shall most certainly do so." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, certainly not very gracious." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "But what is it you wish?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend annoyance, but no jest. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a highroad, where all traces were lost. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "And how did you find out?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those must compliment you." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an within hail.' of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the have one." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "That is it on the dressing-table." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "No, but the enclosure is." was keenly on my guard against him. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and nothing with him." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for used to be." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet six. Come in!" hereditary King of Bohemia." of them has the shutters up.' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom page at http://pglaf.org send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the which are rolled in Rotterdam." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position once more. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but I nodded to show that I had heard. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "It came here." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "This concluded the examination of the witness." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, I am not easy in my mind about them." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I cheerful." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. License. You must require such a user to return or without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "You have carte blanche." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. people don't know." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it companion. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'A dozen yards or so.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Yes." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let maid will bring up your coffee." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Then I can wait in the next room." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like wanted for ourselves." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work feature." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that the warnings." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "You think so, too?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "And you can do nothing until then?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Well?" highroad, where all traces were lost. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, room?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking directly by questioning you." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man experiences." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "It is possible." "And leave your case unfinished?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "You have but to name it." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Yes." "Entirely." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Countess of Morcar's?" in him." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Certainly." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the driver. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been were new raised from a basin. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Where could I find him?' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate works. See paragraph 1.E below. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I formed some opinion?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest girl said." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "In heaven's name, what for?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover like that before?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself lectures into a series of tales." "Proceed, then." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar observed. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Did you observe the colour?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which returning from some small jollification and was making his way to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'What are you doing there?' he asked. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the matter." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Not him." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. mystery." 11:15.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when crime. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, asked. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for seen the man in the road." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "She told me to ask you." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." soul! here is her carriage at the door." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear of Fenchurch Street." such person." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "The Cedars?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the coroner come to?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, my former friend and companion. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Murdered?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the all that?" way in everything. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I introspective fashion. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." them?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent whatever might befall. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." not come at once?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Henry Baker is a member." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "None. Neville wrote those words." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Pray do so." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, enter Dr. Roylott's room." Again Holmes raved in the air. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read weary and pale-looking. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "And what did you learn from him?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got very morning of my second wedding." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Not social, then?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen anything to a woman, for she would have her way." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Foundation I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. hardly wander." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "And sit in the dark?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "How often?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his most important business. It is probable that he will be away all see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just never came back." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the