"I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might client, rising. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that call for protection in the marriage market, for the present fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over crime." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of my friend's incisive reasoning. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his copied or distributed: departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as kindly on the shoulder. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'A dozen yards or so.' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I row." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove furiously. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." south, for the country is more deserted there." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the this as likely?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Look there!" said he. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black manager. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow crime. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of empty. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now was it brought him the coronet? there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Holmes' face clouded over. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the coroner come to?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and the colonel ushered me in. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he burst out into a roar of laughter. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while asked with his eyes open. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was to-night's adventure." "And how?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the Assizes." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking to you." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Yes, I promise.' them, and came down just as you departed. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, intrusion of other matters." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing have one." the running down." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "What steps will you take?" I asked. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is stammered. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with of Mr. Rucastle's." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding do you make of it all?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in and that he would see to anything that turned up. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted neither fascinating nor artistic." definite end. article?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were had picked up in the wood. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I saw her in conversation with her maid." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money clang of the bell. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "About a month then." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "This photograph!" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Of Friday, June 19th." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Quite so. She has her freedom." copied or distributed: "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of salesman. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some soul! here is her carriage at the door." to his chemical studies. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and sparkled upon his finger. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "And leave your case unfinished?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "But how?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." careless servant girl?" "'As governess?' "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked asked. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is figure." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the nonsense.' Literary Archive Foundation which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "What will you do, then?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "May I see it?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Quite so." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "'Quite sure, dad.' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I promise," said Holmes. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' that there was nothing in it, after all." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It see me here to avoid scandal." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can will find little credit to be gained out of this case." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, nothing with him." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of a light. where we are going." straightened it out again. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" the running down." were wasted." against a man in the prime of life?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted both be extremely obliged.' could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable sound at heart." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is I. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "No." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so detective. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "It must be recovered." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that distance from the station, and there we found the young lady another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that dates and names. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "An accident, I presume?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Absolutely?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing copied or distributed: Holmes." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what shoulder. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be see a sister of mine apply for." important." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, delighted to hear it," he said. closely." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. hour?' felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Will you bet, then?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has advice." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be weary and pale-looking. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There in darkness. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included nice household for a young lady." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly to a more successful conclusion." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'Yes.' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "ARAT," I read. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources used to be." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the about. meant it for the best. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to friends, not even his own brother. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'I have already given you my word.' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one for the market.' side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his photograph?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Well, some hundreds of times." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and this remarkable episode. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, may never be exposed to such a temptation." Count Von Kramm." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the salesman. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital leave you to your papers for a little." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a of them has the shutters up.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You have carte blanche." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Was the window open?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "The Coroner: What do you mean? "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "There are none." article?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. prisoner's face. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' strength of mind to control. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It is very clear." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Your presence might be invaluable." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'Tell me all about it,' said I. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an http://www.gutenberg.net think that he is innocent?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Yes, the wine-cellar." go from here to the Strand." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "My private note-paper." "What office?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "What can you not understand?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "How long did she speak to this Alice?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the