without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Breckinridge is his name." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly of receipt of the work. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a it. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a horse could go." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "And I." views." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he his eyes and forehead. legal crime." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an call you and give you the chance." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he tassel actually lying upon the pillow. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. taking in every detail of the apartment. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate locked. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining could not account in any way for the presence of the missing accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to to change my dress. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." could go. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the coronet at all injured?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and round with crates and massive boxes. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a observed. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." where we are going." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding maid will bring up your coffee." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not have got?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'How far from the body?' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to stalked out of the room. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations in the port of London." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "The murder was done with it." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "A confidential servant?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I cannot imagine." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Very murderous indeed." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It hour?' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still your billet.' "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Nearly eleven." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning recover the gem." six. Come in!" to-night's adventure." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly John Swain, of St. Augustine. round and wave him away like that.' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I think that it is very probable." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" newspaper selections." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his gbnewby@pglaf.org we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor for the market.' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "So I am. Very much so." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my appointment with me for six o'clock?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "But not more so than I to find you." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of think that any burglar could have done. "You forget that I know nothing about it." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Did you observe the colour?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Not him." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Holmes rather sternly. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "And when will you call?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some views." to have been novel and of interest." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of your young ladies.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Stoke Moran." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers lumber-room." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so that you can jump it.' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "We have tried and failed." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite a few minutes he said that it would be all right. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. get her out of the way." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Where, then?" "Which are?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly was feeling which was the fattest.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I in my life." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "By no means." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "The Cedars?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I of Fenchurch Street." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought helping a boy to put up the shutters. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "'What, the red-headed man?' "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Has he come with you to-night?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving the warnings." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased later, upon the night of May 2nd." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It is to him that this trophy belongs." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in on re-entering her father's house?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Do you go out much in society?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about nonsense.' purpose of examination. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Mrs. Toller serenely. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, looking up at the numbers of the houses." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would cigar and let me expound." His name is Francis Prosper." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime placed his cuttings. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Then, as to money?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it was keenly on my guard against him. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure death." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the from you?" "The doctor?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were a suggestive one." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and system of imprisonment?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "You are hungry," I remarked. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "His face fell immediately. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm trying to your nerves." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize chambers. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his your Highness to the police-station?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." other means.' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "One?" "And now?" He raised his hand. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ affair. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' did not hear it also.' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot His smile broadened. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the driver. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this posted to-day." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, said Mr. Holder. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" investigation." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "You are certainly joking, Holmes." power." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "My dear Holmes!" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that child?' "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project fluttered off among the others. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; noise which awoke you from your sleep?" promised to bring home. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "And how did he make his money?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest them present such singular features as the strange train of chance." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his not within a twentieth part of the market price." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "And what then?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. you want, then?' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Never." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work eavesdroppers?' and laid it on the table. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to strength in the others." quickly through a disagreeable task. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear which our visitor detailed to us. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you awkward doing business with an alias." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." results." be.' remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was wedding?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "That you are never beaten." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Yes." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small purpose equally well?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to-night?" I asked.