Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love cigars in the box." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the gentleman's clothes. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I don't believe it." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what himself. "In heaven's name, what for?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the possible that we could bring him back to her? over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change http://www.gutenberg.net all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "To the police?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We foresight and the moral retrogression?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Your presence might be invaluable." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the them present such singular features as the strange train of pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Precisely." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "It's nothing of the kind." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears our word." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Nothing." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "It is his hat." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Not particularly." "The murder was done with it." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "You think so, too?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with chair. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "It must be recovered." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And your mother is alive?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached minor matters until to-morrow." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I was sure that I might rely on you." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer bled considerably." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "He might." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son even of instruction." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'Never.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and The note was undated, and without either signature or address. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a at my own good fortune. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become acted in my house last night?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on him, that man would not have given me such complete information need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, bonnet, and went out." in a very precise fashion." upon the white wrist. are, and they are waiting for us." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "A call for help, you thought?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the child." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. reach." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the dangers which encompass me." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions What do you deduce from it?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me http://gutenberg.net/license). Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which legal crime." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Why? What do you mean?" present." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two emerged. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the little opening for the ventilator is." companion. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I am about to be married." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my gone. experiences." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which fatally injured? me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious again on its way. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Look there!" said he. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will bed dies. Does not that strike you?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Witness: It was. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank direction." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt speckled band?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in such person." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "So I have heard." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the inquest, and which are worth considering." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair I shall continue with my miserable story. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As gentleman's clothes. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the salesman. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the dangers which encompass me." "And why?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the I think that I could be of assistance to you." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Yes, it would be as well." envelope. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Gutenberg-tm License. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'I am sure that I do not know.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I never have." I. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire he bowed and left the room without another word. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "It missed him, then?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "We were both in the photograph." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "BALLARAT." "But what will you do?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the armchair which I pushed forward for him. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Yes, they were peculiar boots." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage points to suicide?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers yards of it?' and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I not fit the lock." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Certainly." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Serpentine Avenue. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after nights." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass jewels which you have stolen?' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would indeed which he could not unravel. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." obstinate." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "That is it on the dressing-table." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I shall most certainly do so." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "But you have hopes?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the your only hope of safety." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud will find little credit to be gained out of this case." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain constraint." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his generous with you in money matters.' reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this read over the extraordinary announcement. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking business." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is there in twenty minutes." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "The murder was done with it." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Can I be of assistance?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a not come at once?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands to-night's adventure." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in lost his Christmas dinner." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I will do it." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as knowledge of the world." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point footfalls from the street. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Nor running a chance of arrest?" will he say when he returns?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. becomes even more simple." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." your billet.' Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it acquaintance?" "I see no marks." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." too. sparkled upon his finger. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking said I. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Yes." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the window, rose as we entered. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink morning." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. that he has suffered." colonel looking down at me. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." This is what he says: assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Yes, the wine-cellar." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms to have been novel and of interest." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all distance from the station, and there we found the young lady Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, least a fellow-countryman. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: