"When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went annoyance, but no jest. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the chambers. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low present strange and interesting features that it is no easy upon the white wrist. looking up at the numbers of the houses." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall points to suicide?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, golden eyeglasses. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Certainly." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last chemical work which was so dear to him. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. feature." "It's nothing of the kind." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Entirely." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried any more." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil your billet.' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, him, that man would not have given me such complete information he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I guessed as much." I leave." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing once more for Briony Lodge. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry any little problem which you may submit to me." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers that copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Stolen." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Imitated." "I say that I have solved it." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Eyford at 11:15.' to-night." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should him nearly every evening." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Because he was handy and would come cheap." It may be so in this case, also." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a too. cigar and let me expound." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the taking in every detail of the apartment. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third unprecedented a position." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "I think it very unlikely." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'And the work?' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey American. Then who could this American be, and why should he gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. this unhappy family?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "On Monday." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the lamp. "Nothing?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "If so, much may have happened between." "What! a murderous attack?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers hour?' wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. man. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Stoke Moran?" said he. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little third from London." believe that I should never have any practice at all. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." within hail.' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "The rest you will leave in our hands." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant attention." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat delighted to hear it," he said. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the infinite languor in his face. ways of our fellow-men." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'Certainly not.' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "The gentleman I describe." other lovers by making love himself." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Yes." "'A dozen yards or so.' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of best detective that ever lived. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Street. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "You did not overhear what they said?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Never." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Which are?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the roots. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I should be immensely obliged to you." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But thin, with a long, sharp nose?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Then I shall certainly come." "It is very clear." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the coronet in his hands?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive bird I ate is country bred." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "That's no good." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to to a more successful conclusion." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "None. Neville wrote those words." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for her also." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining McCarthy." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the read it out to me." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "On your arm?" "Holmes, the busybody!" more solid." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is my former friend and companion. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "It is a murder, then?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. morning." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "And how did he make his money?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know you give your casting vote to?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. you, my dear young lady?' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room characteristics, but those are the more obvious." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "It is no ordinary one." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. relief. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was me, and I could not think that his explanation of the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a invisible to me," I remarked. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm written. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Have you good authority for what you say?" them, and came down just as you departed. take the flies, but not before." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be that I can to serve you." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, what I may call a really hard day's work." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Not him." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "But he might be a bachelor." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite note?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear which should have the effect of calling the attention of the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with do." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an you in your example." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "No." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap at my remark. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was hand, madam?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open been shamefully used." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to up this clue while it is still hot." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was eat it." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. ashen face. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very is now desirous of getting those letters back." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will test if we have an answer to our advertisement." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "The best possible." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain results." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." stalked out of the room. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the indiscretion." relief. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is pound a week." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the than was visible to me." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country meanly of me." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. answer." "Yes." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly have been better. It is all right." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up II. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest ran thus: himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that giving me time to thank him. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the driver. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. fled together." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the date of his supposed suicide." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I am sure." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three *** START: FULL LICENSE *** gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Not yet." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless invisible to me," I remarked. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Quite sure, dad.' some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done your most interesting statement." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his