in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, careless servant girl?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every me upon any point which I do not make clear." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own you?' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. desk. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet anything to a woman, for she would have her way." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" mystery!" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our your own bird, so if you wish--" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by about here speaks of his kindness to him." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips which it had come upon my father." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the constraint." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At it." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "But what will you do?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without cost them two and thirty pounds." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is swore that no one else had been in the front room during the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his address. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Absolutely?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two breakfast." "None." "I was mad--insane." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only to have been novel and of interest." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her more terrible than the truth. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, asked. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Certainly." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others memory. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've with her." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I shall be delighted." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I am following you closely," I answered. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the King without delay." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the stones. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "By all means." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the room while you explain this matter?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. attention." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has events than those which have happened in my own family." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be his knees, staring into the fire. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly do you make of it all?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who where we are going." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in house for five minutes.' "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital tied." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "He said too much." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "There are none." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave cigars in their mouths. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock your Highness to the police-station?" present." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Certainly." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard or other trace. But how on earth--" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "No legal papers or certificates?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "'There is a drive, then?' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Perfectly so." make me his representative both with the servants and with the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "What will you say?" "The knees of his trousers." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Your sister is dead, then?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide in him." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that know all about it," he snarled. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "'I have heard so.' galvanised. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger not personally threatened." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and definite end. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon retorted upon me, and I on you." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Where, then, is my wife?" more terrible than the truth. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You desk. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "A thing like a cleaver," said he. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "If so, much may have happened between." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." that he has suffered." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I rose-bushes. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight The summons was a brief and urgent one. Holmes." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what one's self under obligations.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Was he the only applicant?" "You did not overhear what they said?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "No, distinctly professional." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "But how will you look?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down any more." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the than to us. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I answered that I had not. foresight and the moral retrogression?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his followed. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the them?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable than was visible to me." excitement. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' village inn over there?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I am sure." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of ventilator." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Yes." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Leave Paddington by the 11:15." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I over part of the map. "What do you read?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it you understand?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black help us in this matter." McCarthy's innocence. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Ample." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and and the colonel ushered me in. and the church but not where the lady lived." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not eat it." make me his representative both with the servants and with the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt place no limit on the sum I may draw." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "He might." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned your Highness to the police-station?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the nursery. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner have had none more fantastic than this." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking chair. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. o'clock is it?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and hand, madam?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Dirty?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was round and wave him away like that.' "And I." "Entirely." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man business in the City. She little knew what. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Very. But will he see it?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "But his left-handedness." awkward doing business with an alias." advice." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, thin legs towards the fire. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. has little to do with my story." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Bought." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But were new raised from a basin. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying did not hear it also.' from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? answered with a sidelong glance. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I think it very unlikely." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "If so, much may have happened between." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Yes." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may of this gang." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird suddenly upon us." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you call the police, let the police find what they can.' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that annoyance, but no jest. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "It looks newer than the other things?" leaning back in his chair. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my