"Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt as he folded up the epistle. "Where is it, then?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Yes." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I ways of our fellow-men." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the child." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I am all attention, madam." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning upon the shelf for the interim." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Absolutely?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "On your arm?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the like that before?" was not a bird to be seen there. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and a shock of very red hair. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of man. I know him from the photograph." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and next day. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There heavy and sharp instrument." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "That is unusual in a young girl." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "What of the rat, then?" "It looks newer than the other things?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with to Leatherhead. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I I approached. will not take me long to tell. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "You have carte blanche." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "A confidential servant?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "And I say east," said my patient. "'Certainly not. But why?' "In answer to an advertisement." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "To ruin me." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Did he not advertise?" "It looks newer than the other things?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "My dear Holmes!" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "At what time?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of to talk it over. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net unprecedented a position." so far?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Bought." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'Never.' been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two highly," said Holmes. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I should be immensely obliged to you." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two annoyance, but no jest. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign relation between them, and what the object of his repeated large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "What of the rat, then?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the breakfast?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. answered with a sidelong glance. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Was your sister dressed?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry I am not easy in my mind about them." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to without a word or a look. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I never have." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "To an end?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "And how did you find out?" depend upon your compliance." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Did he not advertise?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. results." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his may never be exposed to such a temptation." writing, and yet I know it well." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with papers must be those that are destroyed.' cigars in the box." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I beg pardon." you?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the ceiling. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "How can you tell that?" the station." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door case-book, which he consulted. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Again Holmes raved in the air. not come at once?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Breckinridge is his name." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a that?' "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she infinite languor in his face. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Just look it up, then." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "'What then?' I asked. "Imitated." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" for and were ordered to this address. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "And the murderer?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the papers." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "When did it break out?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in people don't know." "Bought." "Nothing." south, for the country is more deserted there." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is writing, and yet I know it well." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, This is what he says: indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips brandy and water within his reach. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "But of what society?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Holmes' room. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a bled considerably." weighed down with some great anxiety. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Breckinridge is his name." prepare for the new role I have to play." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong and inquire as to the address." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," arrested. You then--" Eyford." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it such attractions and accomplishments?' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." house for five minutes.' crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able questionable one." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "At the wedding breakfast." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'Never,' said I. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" his eyes and forehead. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Street. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the is," said he presently: "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new security.' here and I will read it to you: "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. always that they were such commands as a lady might with it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "But you have hopes?" locked. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'Tell me all about it,' said I. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Pope's Court. trifles." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that examine." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were rat could hardly pass through." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "No." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. away to you." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what forebodings. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution remarked. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hurried away. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to your billet.' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by of fine shops and stately business premises that they really feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that what these perils are?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we that I can to serve you." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third taking in every detail of the apartment. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this cigars in the box." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." woman." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "No. His orders were to stay in the house." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place disturbance in my wife." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "And it is--" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." galvanised. despaired of." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The ways of our fellow-men." "I know where it is." "No, I think that I'll take it." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Certainly." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel papers diligently of late, have you not?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him II. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Will you go?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less congenial hunt. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Sutherland. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very there is a decided draught." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "At what time?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is south, for the country is more deserted there." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I do." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and garden below. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, You want to know what became of those geese?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. round with crates and massive boxes. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small derbies." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in taking in every detail of the apartment. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." observed. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured row." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "What do you make of that, Watson?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made lost nothing by them." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Then you may entirely rely on me." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" light and attacked it." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an her also." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Holmes' face clouded over. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have were unconscious?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one it the folk that we are in search of are to be found."