Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I should like to see him very much." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "It looks newer than the other things?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out points in connection with it which never have been, and probably by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Leadenhall Street--and--" towards the blaze. note?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the stepfather?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "You saw the ventilator, too?" joking. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the stable lane now." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the your own bird, so if you wish--" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Sutherland?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I important." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger absorbing." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and it." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "A client, then?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could dead, shall be safe with us." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean coat-tails." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way man. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Yes." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Your presence might be invaluable." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, bearing upon the case." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and individual and becomes the badge of a society." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Imitated." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Where does the thing come from?' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Where does the thing come from?' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Young McCarthy must be got off, however." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. woven round him. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in outside. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and your relations to her." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "What do you mean?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his http://www.gutenberg.net friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the during that time.' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "How many? I don't know." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. husband's writing, madam." me where it went to?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Munro.' "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at get her out of the way." examine." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "That is not always so easy." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover upon the white wrist. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "No." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which together. "Yes, I have one waiting." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled as he folded up the epistle. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Yes. He waved his hands." retorted upon me, and I on you." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." together. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil open." "And why?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his asked. and inquire as to the address." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Countess of Morcar's?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "I was mad--insane." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One business." "The best possible." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are not as remarkable as your advertisement." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Why? What do you mean?" "And sit in the dark?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "I will try. What is it?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "On your arm?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "But his lameness?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric definite end. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George walking." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Pope's Court. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "But what harm can there be in that?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "But he might be a bachelor." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon standing smiling on the door-step. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of fasten all the windows?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came it." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing have had none more fantastic than this." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his very peculiar words of the dying woman?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I shall most certainly do so." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "No." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but sentimental considerations in the background which would induce without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "That is easily got." "And why in hopes?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes, sir." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' closing the door. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as when you have done it." "Certainly, madam." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Did you become engaged then?" peculiar to him. "9th. McCauley cleared. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Pray do so." galvanised. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "But to whom?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I am to be neutral?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" I nodded again. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Holmes' room. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress you found me to-night--and running through the front room she sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "The Coroner: What do you mean? this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, this Miss Turner." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this shall use the carriage to-night." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will me where it went to?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. arrangements." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." voice. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon James Windibank. Voilà tout!" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time without a word or a look. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less him nearly every evening." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Could he throw no light?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was which was all perfectly true. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if again before evening." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "A greater distance to travel." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I is a common subject for conversation. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in 11:15.' as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Absolutely none." her also." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of my little problems." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Clair, of Lee." "And how have you succeeded?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and late." arrested. You then--" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some is entirely a question of barometric pressure." could go. DAMAGE. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and remarked. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally pierced for earrings?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'About the same.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been DISSOLVED. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the shall not find me ungrateful." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "My own seal." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from I approached. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I cannot say that I have." "He said that you could solve anything." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil forbidden door. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said guilty parties." "To an English lawyer named Norton." are windows in it, of course?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Texas, I think." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "How do you know, then?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to presume?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the house with me." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder chemical work which was so dear to him. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of laugh and put his lips to my ear. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned opened a pocket-book and took out a note. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I see many objections to any such theory." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "May I see it?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home that you can jump it.' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really of this gang." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a what I may call a really hard day's work." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and been with you?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "What is it, then--a fire?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of unkempt, staring out at me. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. for and were ordered to this address. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Witness: Nothing definite. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank