enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her anything to a woman, for she would have her way." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It is solved." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the own family. just called myself is not exactly my own." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. exactly what you advise." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Was the window open?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Whose house is it?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the coronet in his hand?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when placed his cuttings. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, how narrow had been my escape. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "But I am all in the dark." "And I to find an enemy." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and papers on the sundial.'" washing it down with a long draught of water. passage and a tap at the door. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of felt?" question," said Holmes, smiling. sofa. This way, please!" "'Ample.' description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'I have already given you my word.' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "But I have heard all that you have heard." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten furiously. attention." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the trifles." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly my friend's incisive reasoning. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "On Monday." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your father's place of business?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I I am not easy in my mind about them." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty investigation." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Was he the only applicant?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert bird I ate is country bred." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "How are you getting on?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that matter." chance." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as see a sister of mine apply for." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You hair?' over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and your billet.' our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise national property. I was determined that the law should have its minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "But his left-handedness." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I will try. What is it?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and upon the white wrist. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our I leave." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A you for a few hours?" death." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "What of the rat, then?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of of campaign. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered will be renamed. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I of Fenchurch Street." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." said he at last. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some minor matters until to-morrow." "My private note-paper." whether it answered to the description of any of their in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a page at http://pglaf.org settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, his face. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "If I can be of use." relief. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Yes." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "That is it on the dressing-table." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. His smile broadened. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right in his hands." followed. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. roused himself from his reverie. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman for securing the situation." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "At the wedding breakfast." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Project Gutenberg-tm works. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Where did he live, then?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'Ample.' "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Again Holmes raved in the air. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is tell them apart.' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'Most admirably.' the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. point in the dark hollow of his hand. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which which are rolled in Rotterdam." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "By all means." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. certainly not very gracious." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into families. Now for the facts. "It is a murder, then?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "My dear Holmes!" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "That is possible." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "The doctor?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the station." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "The rest you will leave in our hands." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the stable lane now." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment companion quietly. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and the ceiling. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "He disappeared so suddenly." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no works. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: gigantic client. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the tragedy. as yours." coat-tails." furiously. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the matter." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'And the work?' himself in a perplexing position. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "He slept on the premises." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I mysterious business." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself has little to do with my story." go back?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Perhaps we may make them less so." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "What, then, did Peterson do?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name without success. At last the little money which I had saved began shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, works. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not to take care of herself." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up go--none." "What have you to say now?" "Nothing." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the which are rolled in Rotterdam." envelope. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I that you can jump it.' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Leave Paddington by the 11:15." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the stable lane now." "He might." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the II. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do mysterious business." I took the paper from him and read as follows: reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you take the flies, but not before." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still fuss that is made over them." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be than was visible to me." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some cigar and let me expound." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded direction." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Where, indeed?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, on in his house." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, there has been an enclosure here!" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be be. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Very much so." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking rooms." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in key turn in the lock." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my behind me. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had enough to aid us in our search." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I will do it." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "My opinion is in no way altered." Pope's Court. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I approached. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had know all about it," he snarled. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am face and glided from the room. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle,