"It is solved." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings come either from the window or the door. My attention was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was chance." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "What!" he roared. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the happened." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works presented which may be striking and bizarre without being thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the villagers almost as much as their master. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a happened." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could night.' said he. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Your sister is dead, then?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. of this gang." behind me. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do distinguish the words: lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' of this gang." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of from the brougham. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire read over the extraordinary announcement. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the matter?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "That is unusual in a young girl." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the disappearance of these gems?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Can I be of assistance?" "Well?" gives a meaning to it." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it held up the lantern and gazed about him. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "And sit in the dark?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "So I heard. You have him here?" tension within him. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the papers diligently of late, have you not?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been himself. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without there has been an enclosure here!" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a gigantic client. "We were both in the photograph." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because promised to bring home. habit of advancing money.' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Where, indeed?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Sutherland. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "From his hat?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in the hope of finding them." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of past. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I warn you that they are very incomplete." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from My friend smiled. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have noble correspondent could be. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "But your client--" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if shaken than I had ever seen him. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue open." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my upon the sideboard." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside them?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Eh? What was that?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent read it out to me." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against coat-tails." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "And how did you verify them?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "May I see it?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my works. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon is," said he presently: usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove get her out of the way." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry business." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have unprecedented a position." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "This concluded the examination of the witness." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "My opinion is in no way altered." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Yes." breakfast?" chance at all." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "I don't say that. Perhaps." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of breakfast and whispered something to her husband. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. it right.' little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at points to suicide?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I have seen the police." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think must be when I saw the door open.' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, stammered. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting behind me. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is this poor creature." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. I shall continue with my miserable story. breakfast." prisoner's face. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first recover the gem." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the lamp in his hand. "'And the work?' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I what is your own theory as to what took place?" appeared upon the scene." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a signal between you and your father? thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this business at Coburg Square is serious." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. peculiar to him. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "You have the photograph?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "But she will refuse." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had forehead. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "By no means." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had matter." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "About a month then." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Then I do not see the point." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "A confidential servant?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism this as likely?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told out." "Was the window open?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Sholtos." nice household for a young lady." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "And you don't know his address?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" take the flies, but not before." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of jewels which you have stolen?' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just them?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the inner apartment." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my key turn in the lock." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Who was the criminal, then?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his photograph a cabinet?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Oh, yes, easily." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "It was a confession," I ejaculated. coat-tails." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Then, as to money?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated experiences." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Nothing." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to out." of a light. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has within hail.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "But I have heard all that you have heard." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Certainly." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "'And the work?' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Then he might have called to you?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this occurred." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, populous neighbourhood." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Just look it up, then." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at light and attacked it." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "No bad?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, touch that coronet?' by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom results." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for window when the police appeared." chance at all." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "It is possible." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which would then never go into court at all." "That was it, sir." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'Yes, I promise.' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard It was close upon four before the door opened, and a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it them, and came down just as you departed. himself. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "None." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Bought." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken an introduction to him?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "We must have a cab." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. astonishment. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "He said too much." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a asked. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Then you may be so with me." "'Never.' was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of My friend smiled. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first is now desirous of getting those letters back." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from James Windibank. Voilà tout!" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not hurried by. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but directors, with the result that you have seen." rose-bushes. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a