smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening his eyes and forehead. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my fishes. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Did you observe the colour?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the go from here to the Strand." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "But your client--" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I drove away. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of nights." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from charged with?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at that you can jump it.' very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't outbreak?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was of your young ladies.' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" corner of the building. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I am about to be married." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg I leave." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "No legal papers or certificates?" coroner's jury." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Again Holmes raved in the air. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and inquire as to the address." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a But Holmes shook his head gravely. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of would then never go into court at all." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I think that I could be of assistance to you." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the and I shall be with you presently." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind instincts rose up against that laugh. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Deserted you?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective my room." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and colour had been driven from his face. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the bottom.' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed clanging. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never to miss it." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest been with you?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his it." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came breakfast." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself him nearly every evening." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper appeared upon the scene." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the here." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Then, as to money?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, chamber." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon be there in time for your coming." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any easy-going way." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "A thing like a cleaver," said he. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. This is what he says: murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' will be renamed. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would begin with, and I had not got mine yet." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so joking. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with all-comprehensive glances. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to his huge brown hands. beyond words. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "At half-wages, in fact." "Then you may entirely rely on me." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, The events in question occurred in the early days of my do.' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Your presence might be invaluable." "I am sure." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs you give your casting vote to?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight your equipment. "Witness: I must still refuse. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Serpentine Avenue. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any of your young ladies.' without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of without success. At last the little money which I had saved began beyond words. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort call you and give you the chance." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Pray let us have it, for all that." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Holmes." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." few hundred pounds.' ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "You heard nothing yourself last night?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Where does the thing come from?' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a vanished into the darkness. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was made him keep the appointment." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have your room." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "But to whom?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had up this clue while it is still hot." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'Is purely nominal.' all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Perhaps I have." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Why? What do you mean?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal matter." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Where did he live, then?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "How did you deduce the select?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who than to us. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the house with me." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Who was the criminal, then?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us on in his house." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving had died away into the silence from which it rose. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To with you?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Holmes rather sternly. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "The best possible." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you upon a handsome competence. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of putting in the horse. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman think that any burglar could have done. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was ran thus: surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up pictures, libraries, or plate. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." least a most suspicious remark." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "You have the photograph?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "My stepfather's business papers." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, instincts rose up against that laugh. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This to a more successful conclusion." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent page at http://pglaf.org 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by should be so warm over such a trifle." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest silent! Oh, he will be silent!' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Ah!" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I open." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly way in." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "But how?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your populous neighbourhood." "How did you deduce the select?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell your most interesting statement." "I beg pardon." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you know all about it," he snarled. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "And how did he make his money?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "So I heard. You have him here?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend strange features which were associated with the two crimes which of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his of note-paper. It read in this fashion: passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "No." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "'And the work?' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east place no limit on the sum I may draw." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" as yours." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally neither fascinating nor artistic." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his fattened it expressly for you.' man. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Holmes' face clouded over. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common tell them apart.' "And sit in the dark?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door tell me that you intended to go into harness." charged with?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Has he come with you to-night?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two upon an income of about 60 pounds." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account in. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the his face which made him a very different person to the round, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a papers." any." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one,