that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Leadenhall Street--and--" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: gone. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "And you can do nothing until then?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some nothing with him." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of had picked up in the wood. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study should be taken.' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far investigation." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "How did that help you?" character. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "If I can be of use." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, as he folded up the epistle. "No legal papers or certificates?" "Yes, certainly." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "A confidential servant?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the weighed down with some great anxiety. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "But what is it you wish?" to a light-house. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you main points of my analysis." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" one of them." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be not, dad?" she asked. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Not in the least." a good hundred miles off by now." better in every way that they should make their position a little every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so definite end. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "My dear Holmes!" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider occupations.' he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his opened a pocket-book and took out a note. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should as he folded up the epistle. heavy and sharp instrument." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and all of them with the keenest interest. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have future lives." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "On the contrary, this is the right side." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you papers must be those that are destroyed.' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists not, dad?" she asked. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he meanly of me." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Why serious?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Which are?" some city in a dream. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'Most admirably.' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my memory. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside evidence," I remarked. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Can I be of assistance?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the envelope. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make you in your example." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a into the bag, and made for the door. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging fuss that is made over them." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the very letters. But what is this written above them?' this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong photograph?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. me have 200 pounds?' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair geese which you supplied to the Alpha." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from village inn over there?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was burst out into a roar of laughter. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the bled considerably." hurried by. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To south, for the country is more deserted there." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & to tell." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I say it is." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Certainly, madam." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at for securing the situation." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six public press." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found into the room. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, rat could hardly pass through." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the enough to aid us in our search." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. better in every way that they should make their position a little reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "And now?" He raised his hand. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came lumber-room." outside." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a intrusion of other matters." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a it with his own hands." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Yes, only one." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" fear." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner walking." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and letters?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your passage and a tap at the door. to-night." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector it means?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him gone. fatally injured? all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the coronet in his hands?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "My own seal." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began seven miles from Eyford Station.' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on quick march!" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "It is to him that this trophy belongs." ourselves in the office." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Perhaps I have." be.' self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House brought there to personate someone, and the real person is at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Where did he live, then?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the locked." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of coat-tails." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was shaken than I had ever seen him. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy presume?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. late!' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the that more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, call it cruel." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it American. Then who could this American be, and why should he carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the are, I think, all that we need." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Quite so. She has her freedom." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I least a most suspicious remark." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I have solved it." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "But what will you do?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the coronet at all injured?" "Yes, I have one waiting." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for I was concerned in it." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came breakfast?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you himself to tell his story. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other hour." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "A call for help, you thought?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "It is to him that this trophy belongs." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside with frightened eyes at his accuser. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "How can you tell that?" seen the man in the road." up this clue while it is still hot." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of upon the sideboard." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the bed, and you in that chair." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "This concluded the examination of the witness." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of in the hope of finding them." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Nothing." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Yesterday." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "It is half-past ten now." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears read it out to me." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Entirely." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey stammered. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us distance from the station, and there we found the young lady my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have said he at last. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. walking." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and my little problems." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. the morning and make my own way in the world.' have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "'Very good.' of Mr. Rucastle's." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella his huge brown hands. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." note?" Munro.' "'There is a drive, then?' undoubtedly my uncle's." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was weapon." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His knowledge of the world." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there answered with a sidelong glance. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. own family. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in detained." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there hard-headed British jury." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the coronet in his hand?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "He is dead," cried several voices. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the