said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened details." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself is four-and-twenty." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Foundation retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "But it has twice been burgled." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of was a loud and authoritative tap. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "That is easily got." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! which our visitor detailed to us. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed telegram would bring me down to your help." "Certainly." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You kindly on the shoulder. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and the whole place is in a blaze." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to I nodded to show that I had heard. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Clair, of Lee." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a heavy and sharp instrument." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "I was certainly surprised to find you there." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling is entirely a question of barometric pressure." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a this as likely?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until think that he is innocent?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' in the port of London." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "By train from Waterloo." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "A client, then?" me. You must get home instantly and act." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could eavesdroppers?' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his relation between them, and what the object of his repeated footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I shall most certainly do so." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean been." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit to a light-house. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of lost nothing by them." hand, madam?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to bare slabs of marble. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for outside." "Then I do not see the point." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, father's place of business?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the station." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "You did not overhear what they said?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and morning." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Not I." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "In what way?" asked Holmes. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they maiden herself was most instructive." "And it is--" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which directors, with the result that you have seen." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which conversation I have gathered that they have been married about a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Well." that, and I came down." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the room while you explain this matter?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a with you?" "Can I be of assistance?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting questioning and rather startled gaze. "I see no marks." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly kind enough to tell me what I should do." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." flock.' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Nothing." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and chance at all." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, father's place of business?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you it means?" made him keep the appointment." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Nearly eleven." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By there were so many in the whole country as were brought together gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower your co-operation." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Witness: Nothing definite. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE in the hope of finding them." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly distance from the station, and there we found the young lady A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what too. despair." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" had died away into the silence from which it rose. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE detective. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream carried out of court." which we had just quitted. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept this remarkable episode. back into the street. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found know all about it," he snarled. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. business?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "My dear Holmes!" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you brandy and water within his reach. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to existence." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Yes." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Yes, only one." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw is acting for the best. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry delighted to hear it," he said. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose three fields round his house, and there he would take his glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Which are?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' again on its way. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the child." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention of a light. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, appeal." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I don't believe it." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, forebodings. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and pound a week." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Yes, he did." "He might." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I have solved it." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Mrs. Toller serenely. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'Yes, I promise.' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her placed his cuttings. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a The events in question occurred in the early days of my previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the him. any little problem which you may submit to me." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Absolutely none." despaired of." through." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" anything to do with the matter?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "My photograph." me. You must get home instantly and act." down. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I felt?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with companion. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Ten will be early enough." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "You are all wrong." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Texas, I think." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, leaning back in his chair. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Quite so. She has her freedom." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that his face. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, do." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, infinite languor in his face. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my and looked back. which it had come upon my father." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, said he at last. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as and put his glass in his pocket. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of it with the greatest attention. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "How did you trace it, then?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Where does the thing come from?' "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her stood on the top of it. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock maid will bring up your coffee." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other if I call to-morrow?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Pray continue your narrative." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself their singular warning or token before them when starting upon on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, outsides of the windows. friend's singular character. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as