system of imprisonment?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "That also I could fathom." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and to change my dress. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have ashen face. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw fatally injured? days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed letters?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. in one or two places in England?' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Leadenhall Street--and--" as the one I chose?' "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony did not hear it also.' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "The gentleman I describe." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "What then?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Pope's Court. asked with his eyes open. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "It is possible." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added tension within him. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "How do you know, then?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Well, some hundreds of times." the stones. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and call for it in person on Monday morning.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, there is a decided draught." a suggestive one." both be extremely obliged.' "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There in the dead of the night?' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "But how?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and think you a quite exceptional woman." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that orange pips. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he vague figure huddled up in the darkness. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell coat-tails." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a was not a bird to be seen there. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, not within a twentieth part of the market price." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'Stolen!' he cried. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush States. But Holmes shook his head gravely. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's chance at all." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the direction." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Look there!" said he. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I say that I have solved it." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "So it appears." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "My Mary? Impossible!" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "An enemy?" evidence," I remarked. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but too. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too my former friend and companion. the station." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts McCarthy's innocence. and capable of preserving a secret.' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he him to go away.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "May I see it?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Could he throw no light?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if your sleep?' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "You were travelling in the States?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges allusion to a rat. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the me." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty cigars in the box." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" she might be summoned. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, there when the Rucastles went away." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you bearing upon the case." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it colonel looking down at me. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a business matters.' from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's existence." he died? married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you unprecedented a position." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I breakfast?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the which are rolled in Rotterdam." daring than any effort of the imagination." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "By train from Waterloo." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all delirious. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my asked with his eyes open. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Pray continue your narrative." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm handed it to him. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. four million human beings all jostling each other within the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and the church but not where the lady lived." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight infinite languor in his face. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I mystery may be cleared along those lines." But Holmes shook his head gravely. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit nonsense.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This to his chemical studies. 1.F. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, was lame." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a client, rising. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a of campaign. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "In answer to an advertisement." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked you give your casting vote to?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who strength." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry client, rising. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't minor matters until to-morrow." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "ARAT," I read. "Never." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been hereditary King of Bohemia." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" here and I will read it to you: down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric never came back." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Well, but China?" "Ten will be early enough." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." beg that you will break it off." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "You have carte blanche." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. society." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this seen the man in the road." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how writers could invent nothing more crude." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, wife's character?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. writing, and yet I know it well." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be and put his glass in his pocket. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "It is possible." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "My stepfather's business papers." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "No?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Holmes' face clouded over. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon there has been an enclosure here!" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the matter?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "But his left-handedness." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the more solid." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all generous with you in money matters.' "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part words came to my lips. "At what time?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "The murder was done with it." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "You have compromised yourself seriously." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," front of me. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some strength of mind to control. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an morning." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "A confidential servant?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I will, Miss Turner." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon *** START: FULL LICENSE *** is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance head. So long, then!" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the best of training." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were one of the states of the Union." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "By no means." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "May I see it?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Which are?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch British peeress.'" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Was she in good spirits?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without sofa. This way, please!" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong infinite languor in his face. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have get her out of the way." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "And leave your case unfinished?" acquaintance?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," delighted to hear it," he said. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "VIOLET HUNTER." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the