next day. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather prove to be little relation between the different incidents of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the asked. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "No." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the coronet at all injured?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this James Windibank. Voilà tout!" I. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Frequently." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "To the police?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I am all attention, madam." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, gives a meaning to it." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "What are they?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, back into the street. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of in one or two places in England?' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is least a fellow-countryman. hand, madam?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" results." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Why? What do you mean?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible wall." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. within hail.' tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian again before evening." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I would pay ten." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is such attractions and accomplishments?' came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "The doctor?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "And what did you learn from him?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder cost them two and thirty pounds." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would in. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "It certainly sounds feasible." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Holmes." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I shall use the carriage to-night." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. quickly through a disagreeable task. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "BALLARAT." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the future lives." Pool. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Yes." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and situation." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me against a man in the prime of life?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A away to you." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately there in twenty minutes." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It is possible." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "'Yes, I promise.' "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the man. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able them, and came down just as you departed. "Witness: Nothing definite. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' not fit the lock." "What?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from said I. that I can to serve you." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an jewels which you have stolen?' Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and business?" people don't know." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. too. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. the child." wedding?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, wife's character?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H next day. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. helping a boy to put up the shutters. do." forecastle of an emigrant ship. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "It certainly sounds feasible." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I nodded again. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed when your master had gone out." third from London." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge would then never go into court at all." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Will you go?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Come in!" said he. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'A dozen yards or so.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "And how did you find out?" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback to miss it." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the iron safe, which he closed upon it. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Whose house is it?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I am in hopes that she does." shoulder; "he's all right." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the himself in a perplexing position. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was gives a meaning to it." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing golden eyeglasses. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that note?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" more solid." "And how?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," someone who had been in Australia." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I should wish to." "I think that it is very probable." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" dead, shall be safe with us." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most was not a bird to be seen there. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the address that was given us in the advertisement. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "The Cedars?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Did your wife hear all this?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Eyford." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over me upon any point which I do not make clear." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Serpentine Avenue. might have a private word with us. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "How on earth--" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual foot. of the one which your family is now devouring." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his breakfast." skylight. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Watson," he said cordially. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. papers on the sundial.'" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or hurried away. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "And for present expenses?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "What steps will you take?" I asked. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you so.' with you?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in British peeress.'" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Yes." roused himself from his reverie. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Eyford at 11:15.' was it brought him the coronet? doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway business at Coburg Square is serious." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker appeared upon the scene." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account purpose equally well?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "We have tried and failed." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "That was it, sir." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, gbnewby@pglaf.org got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his forehead. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" and all of them with the keenest interest. Have you good authority for what you say?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "And I to find an enemy." the roots. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the colonel looking down at me. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "No sign of it?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a populous neighbourhood." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his and inquire as to the address." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the think that he is innocent?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no developed." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would round and wave him away like that.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I them?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most chair. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "And you thought he was pulled back?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his answered with a sidelong glance. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it bird of prey. "You think so, too?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just