at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot habit of advancing money.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the nursery. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "There is the writing." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, do.' "'What then?' I asked. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "But she could not love him." a suggestive one." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It of them has the shutters up.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the minor matters until to-morrow." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I was mad--insane." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day out of this horrible affair." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told come either from the window or the door. My attention was written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round you in your example." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing you in yours." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It's nothing of the kind." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Holmes' room. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "His face fell immediately. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no you." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Yes." thin legs towards the fire. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great straighten it?" drove away. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in ventilator." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You have but to name it." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are will he say when he returns?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found to his chemical studies. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Has he come with you to-night?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and shaken than I had ever seen him. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." pictures, libraries, or plate. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party down from London to inquire more deeply into it." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of companion imperturbably. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. thin legs towards the fire. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Very truly yours, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Yes." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Yes." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Literary Archive Foundation however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? back into the street. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Tired-looking or fresh?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the inquest, and which are worth considering." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his business came to an end." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel that you saw all that I did." attention." you in yours." the ceiling. would then never go into court at all." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind sentimental considerations in the background which would induce We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried I approached. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security my little problems." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my tension within him. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Yes, I have one waiting." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Very. But will he see it?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the her also." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project easy-going way." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "But how did you gain them?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Was your sister dressed?" than was visible to me." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "The King of Scandinavia." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Yes." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I there when the Rucastles went away." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, did not hear it also.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the asked with his eyes open. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for bed dies. Does not that strike you?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been where she found matters as described by the last witness. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was more terrible than the truth. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had a little more before I quite committed myself. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a national property. I was determined that the law should have its association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with new duties?' remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'Not at all. I only doubt--' rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "It may not come to that," said Holmes. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Yes." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about ashen face. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "You did not overhear what they said?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers The note was undated, and without either signature or address. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and friend's singular character. carried out of court." that there was nothing in it, after all." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and bird I ate is country bred." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove daring than any effort of the imagination." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the stones. what do you think they found in the pockets?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to interests were the same as his." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But me have 200 pounds?' Stoke Moran." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared writing, and yet I know it well." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable his eyes and forehead. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. call it cruel." on in his house." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful cigar and let me expound." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change thought that she would have been so carried away." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You likely to be some crony of the landlady's." most interesting one." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin telegram would bring me down to your help." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting it." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the child." whether it answered to the description of any of their but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the than to us. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "It certainly sounds feasible." take the flies, but not before." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, side. fishes. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife address. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Never." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the nursery. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat signal between you and your father? likely to be some crony of the landlady's." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do coat-tails." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "If so, much may have happened between." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come copied or distributed: "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may himself. hour?' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into fattened it expressly for you.' with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Munro.' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he shall not find me ungrateful." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the existence." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of Fenchurch Street." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'It is locked up,' I answered. skylight. man. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said burst into a hearty fit of laughter. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "9th. McCauley cleared. writer." "But how will you look?" locked. "Very. But will he see it?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Then I do not see the point." the coronet in his hand?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to been able to understand it, in a very few words. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Have you her photograph?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Yes, I have one waiting." jewels which you have stolen?' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." away into the river." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip you." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are extra couple of hundred would have been very handy.