"You horrify me." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "The knees of his trousers." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "You horrify me." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "VIOLET HUNTER." "And your mother is alive?" knowledge of the world." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily will find little credit to be gained out of this case." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her been deceived." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "May I see it?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the weighed down with some great anxiety. think that he is innocent?" then?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your companion imperturbably. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was gentleman's clothes. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the congenial hunt. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Of what day?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious have got?" question. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the villagers almost as much as their master. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. closing the door. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a strode off upon his way. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. said I. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could if she died from some sudden fright." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "You know me, then?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." digesting their breakfasts at home." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Yes, they were peculiar boots." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip think that any burglar could have done. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after charged with?" when you have done it." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. have established a very serious case against the son of the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Nothing?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at stood on the top of it. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought fasten all the windows?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter companion. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the 11:15.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I will try. What is it?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here vanished into the darkness. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Your French gold?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his go--none." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and prosperity to your house. Good-night." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "But to whom?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "But you can know nothing of this?" notes," he said. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, were new raised from a basin. "I was mad--insane." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three hurried away. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She held up the lantern and gazed about him. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would too. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "That also I could fathom." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got God! What an exposure! What can I do?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "And help." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "10th. John Swain cleared. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "No?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "What steps will you take?" I asked. 11:15.' other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "But you were on a friendly footing?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to brain must have something in it." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their became a certainty. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like anything to a woman, for she would have her way." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. and wait." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was other, as fresh and trim as possible. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "What will you say?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given other lovers by making love himself." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you arrangements." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "By no means." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed despaired of." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the salesman. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "None." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE one which it was hard to resist. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I speckled band?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He examination of the premises, but without finding anything which was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, touch that coronet?' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "It is solved." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Eyford at 11:15.' the bed, and you in that chair." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared writers could invent nothing more crude." "'What then?' I asked. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. vault. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a and the church but not where the lady lived." taking in every detail of the apartment. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by exactly what you advise." as he remarks, very much against the son." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I answered that I had not. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned round and wave him away like that.' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Tired-looking or fresh?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our weighed down with some great anxiety. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Perfectly so." "Her father is very rich?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to written, and locked the door of the office after me. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the way in everything. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which remarked. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have client, rising. charged with?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, persecution?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Yes?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was heavily into it. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Well." "Yes." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her some city in a dream. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be down in his armchair and closing his eyes. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir to some other building. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? chance." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I say that I have solved it." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and prosperity to your house. Good-night." electronic works dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I this unhappy family?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of again on its way. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set charge against him will break down." matter over." back into the street. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "How did he come?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "And Miss Sutherland?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "At the wedding breakfast." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of mystery may be cleared along those lines." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "But he might be a bachelor." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up from you?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Sutherland?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. behind me. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. hurried away. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it his cane at the bell-pull. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is in this way: terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of any." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. fasten all the windows?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one has little to do with my story." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the inner apartment." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "You are hungry," I remarked. fishes. learned something! Where are the gems?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." someone who had been in Australia." weary and pale-looking. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house