help us in this matter." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of him, that man would not have given me such complete information to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always for the market.' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "My opinion is in no way altered." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you happened." "'I am sure that I do not know.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "But she will refuse." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was exactly what you advise." "Certainly." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the know what is wrong with it.' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "How long did she speak to this Alice?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the coroner come to?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' From what you have told me I think that it is possible that laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "What!" he roared. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "It is very kind of you." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is late!' point in the dark hollow of his hand. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the recover the gem." it right.' of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Yes." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the mystery." "It is his hat." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had swore that no one else had been in the front room during the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I cannot as yet see any connection." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his crime." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near astonishment. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Entirely." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? even of instruction." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was there!' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I to some other building. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me since then to throw any light upon what became of him." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, late!' wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "How are you getting on?" "Your presence might be invaluable." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I cannot say that I have." digesting their breakfasts at home." advice." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Ah!" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an rooms." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, against a man in the prime of life?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "You are hungry," I remarked. "Of Friday, June 19th." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like she used." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to or in danger--" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every tassel actually lying upon the pillow. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason he died? "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "What will you do, then?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "And your father? Did you tell him?" entirely lost his self-respect." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "What shall I do?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. foot. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Well." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton possible that we could bring him back to her? the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I was mad--insane." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Surrey." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the one as in the other." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself You want to know what became of those geese?" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. these bleak autumnal evenings." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man ceremony." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "But he might be a bachelor." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Has he come with you to-night?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge dear old homesteads?" "I am all attention, madam." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "And when will you call?" "And what did you learn from him?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the window when the police appeared." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Yes, but only for you and me." "Nothing?" Countess of Morcar's?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs be. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' But Holmes shook his head gravely. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole call for it in person on Monday morning.' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever papers on the sundial.'" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of him!" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur all that?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "From his hat?" not, dad?" she asked. union?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Have you her photograph?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "My dear Holmes!" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and during that time.' running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. roused himself from his reverie. that I can to serve you." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open suddenly upon us." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the name is different." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been very morning of my second wedding." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Stoke Moran?" said he. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn and I shall be with you presently." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a experiences." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a on re-entering her father's house?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. cigars in the box." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir 11:15.' that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the locked. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and glanced through. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "It missed him, then?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "In answer to an advertisement." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you will not take me long to tell. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. following enigmatical notices: to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I will, Miss Turner." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the tragedy. "I don't believe it." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, notes," he said. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there both be extremely obliged.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted been deceived." "But how did you gain them?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. to Leatherhead. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "And when will you call?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. "And I say east," said my patient. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray he died? "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, fishes. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head society." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the Red-headed League." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell intimate personal affairs in this public manner." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "It goes to the housekeeper's room." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Pray let us have it, for all that." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very meant it for the best. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold 1.F. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "That is not always so easy." "Pray do so." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms then?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush side. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it conversation I have gathered that they have been married about heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But of what society?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." enter into my head. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest