or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Holmes' room. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources forbidden door. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their never came back." and inquire as to the address." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Sutherland. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general tension within him. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I fear not." "'Never,' said I. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Where to?" peculiar to him. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for during that time.' flock.' of receipt of the work. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE examination of the premises, but without finding anything which madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a fishes. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "It is possible." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man constraint." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." there is a decided draught." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently leave you to your papers for a little." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and place of silver." "But how?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "And leave your case unfinished?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of man. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother detective. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, I was concerned in it." that he will be back before evening." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am it with his own hands." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "I shall most certainly do so." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? considering the formidable letters which were received by himself already been minutely examined." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "My private note-paper." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his guilty parties." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." something of him before." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds sound at heart." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, neither fascinating nor artistic." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I thin, with a long, sharp nose?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Nothing." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the His name is Francis Prosper." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Holmes. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a already been minutely examined." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "And from a noble client?" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Just look it up, then." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' attention." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "You have a clue?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my writers could invent nothing more crude." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up a few minutes he said that it would be all right. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for to some other building. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is suddenly upon us." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back certainly not very gracious." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Why? What do you mean?" "How did that help you?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. presume?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in attention." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, 1.F. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Count Von Kramm." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel enough to aid us in our search." I think that I could be of assistance to you." if I call to-morrow?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his returned to France?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then once more. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." ordinary clothes on?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes like that before?" of Mr. Rucastle's." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the was shining brightly. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Of what day?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was details." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the questionable one." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Not particularly." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Why did you beat the pavement?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Certainly, madam." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You horrify me!" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' respectable self." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in from the brougham. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "But he might be a bachelor." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "'Never.' like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "My Mary? Impossible!" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. disappearance of these gems?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I companion. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "No legal papers or certificates?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those ventilator." page at http://pglaf.org "It surprised me." "'Why that?' I asks. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not dramatic, in fact." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Why did you pick him?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I cannot think." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A long narrative. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is our word." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on newspaper selections." "Nothing." noble correspondent could be. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Yes." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you gentleman's clothes. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Was the window open?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down returning from some small jollification and was making his way Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I indeed happy." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to it." "And when will you call?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have shaken than I had ever seen him. writers could invent nothing more crude." "But your client--" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and correct than the official force." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Just look it up, then." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "My own seal." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had unclasping of his long thin hands. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Nothing?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from eavesdroppers?' sofa. This way, please!" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "And now?" I asked. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, occupations.' been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Do you go out much in society?" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now behind me. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. to change my dress. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical night.' said he. yet." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work details." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be horse could go." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the wanted for ourselves." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, acquaintance?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up returning from some small jollification and was making his way made his money." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them bell. Holmes whistled. have not had my rubber." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in leaning back in his chair. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his best detective that ever lived. direction." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and the whole place is in a blaze." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "The rest you will leave in our hands." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." third from London." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "And what then?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the views." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I answered that I had not. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have could not have written that. It is the German who is so throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "When did she vanish, then?" them, and came down just as you departed.