observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." to-night's adventure." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and prosperity to your house. Good-night." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London retorted upon me, and I on you." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't said he. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that than to us. "This photograph!" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I will not look." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his from you?" "And why?" retorted upon me, and I on you." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "And how did he make his money?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to writer." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in strength of mind to control. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Then what has happened to him?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words easy-going way." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the devil!" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the them, and came down just as you departed. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one enough to aid us in our search." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Clair, of Lee." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut been." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to surprise her." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one neither fascinating nor artistic." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Come in!" said he. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them right! Sit down and let us talk it over." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an place of silver." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "The murder was done with it." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an will find little credit to be gained out of this case." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, better grown goose." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in important." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Mary, has deserted me." leave you to your papers for a little." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "You horrify me!" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "What office?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Then I do not see the point." "That is possible." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his future lives." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, for securing the situation." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Indeed! Whose, then?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I have my revolver," said I. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their lectures into a series of tales." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest singular points about the case. What did the police think of the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'I have heard so.' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Witness: Nothing definite. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the inquest, and which are worth considering." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "And how did he make his money?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the than was visible to me." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the side-table." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Just look it up, then." "By train from Waterloo." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo fasten all the windows?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Well, some hundreds of times." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "You'll never persuade me to believe that." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I should like to see him very much." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "To the police?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this occurred." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the matter." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from sneer upon his pale face. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss at a side door. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the nursery. was already answered. him and tried to hold him back. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour copied or distributed: call for it in person on Monday morning.' than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking John Swain, of St. Augustine. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" His smile broadened. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the room while you explain this matter?" ventilator." on re-entering her father's house?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who occurred." "No, but the enclosure is." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I your only hope of safety." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I would give my fortune to have them back." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I you for a few hours?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Look there!" said he. "Always." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and glanced through. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "No good news?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we a little more before I quite committed myself. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and you came in." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of of." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John are windows in it, of course?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'Why that?' I asks. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying himself. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There will find little credit to be gained out of this case." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Precisely." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Stolen, then." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own help us in this matter." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "'I shall certainly be there.' clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "It is possible." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts have accepted such a situation. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Then he might have called to you?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the armchair which I pushed forward for him. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. once more for Briony Lodge. your co-operation." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Upon what point?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and is a common subject for conversation. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Here?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate weapon." despair." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "It is very kind of you." closing the door. both be extremely obliged.' ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." cigar and let me expound." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City know all about it," he snarled. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right some place of shelter and let the county police know what has American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we with some details as to your case." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "And it is--" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not occupations.' experiences." extraordinary contortions. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "None. Neville wrote those words." "None." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less outsides of the windows. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United think you a quite exceptional woman." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Who by?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was all that?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. highroad, where all traces were lost. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. where she found matters as described by the last witness. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I if she died from some sudden fright." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at tightly behind him. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded but preventing her from injuring another. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have daring than any effort of the imagination." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My she might be summoned. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you call it cruel." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Not yet." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. dear old homesteads?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Pool. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are again, where I was soon asleep. "Then, as to money?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting