"Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in written, and locked the door of the office after me. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of sofa. This way, please!" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the London for the present?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Deserted you?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the daring than any effort of the imagination." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Why? What do you mean?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" me upon any point which I do not make clear." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the respectable self." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which during the last few years, and there are many noble families to little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional suspect him." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in arrangements." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. pictures, libraries, or plate. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have upon the shelf for the interim." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Then the page we have seen--" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who already been minutely examined." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible character. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was quick march!" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "That's no good." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Then, as to money?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Mrs. Toller serenely. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She depend upon your compliance." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself purpose equally well?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour at my remark. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "You have but to name it." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until before, for it was considerably after midnight. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us disappearance of the bride.'" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "What is it?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to to his chemical studies. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of learned something! Where are the gems?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the thought that she would have been so carried away." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will overpowering excitement and concern. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite there!' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if sooner or later she must fall a victim. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "What do you mean?" "He said too much." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Murdered?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the guilty one." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Did your wife hear all this?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us was not a bird to be seen there. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She as the one I chose?' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "And I to find an enemy." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect ran thus: Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. affair. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. that threaten you." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge might help us?" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, instituted." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A it." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "One of the highest in England." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save brandy and water within his reach. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to Leatherhead. your Highness to the police-station?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we figure." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: danger is over." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and III. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I think it very unlikely." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "In the cells." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate I shall continue with my miserable story. "How many? I don't know." away to you." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you head. So long, then!" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the upon an income of about 60 pounds." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and strong and stiff." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you have an American origin." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside fled together." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "And on what day did he meet his death?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. sneer upon his pale face. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the one as in the other." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him were new raised from a basin. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I http://gutenberg.net/license). What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." note?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. of a light. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I cannot tell." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until away into the river." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Mrs. Toller serenely. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of which our visitor detailed to us. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the south-west, I see." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "But how will you look?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he head. So long, then!" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Stolen!' he cried. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was easy-going way." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. any more." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will suddenly upon us." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had I nodded again. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "You will not go there first?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may that?' "But what harm can there be in that?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? events than those which have happened in my own family." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better companion. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the iron safe, which he closed upon it. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn hand, madam?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it roused himself from his reverie. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for your most interesting statement." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "'As governess?' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" over here." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy hurried by. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her learned something! Where are the gems?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his open." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a miles off. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his excitement. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, father's young wife. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Pope's Court. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank question you as to those details which seem to me to be most But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the very morning of the wedding." John Swain, of St. Augustine. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I him nearly every evening." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "We were both in the photograph." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot him nearly every evening." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Chief Executive and Director difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were six. Come in!" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very gentleman's clothes. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Upon what point?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Do you go out much in society?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography hair?' expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "I beg pardon." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "How do you know, then?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you introspective fashion. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have bearing upon the case." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she roused himself from his reverie. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE attention." Foundation pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "I beg pardon." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in You will find it here, and may read it for yourself."