you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." III. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we said I. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I cannot think." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "He might." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say about. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Yes, but only for you and me." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking It may be so in this case, also." had died away into the silence from which it rose. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I should wish to." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "We were both in the photograph." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I think that I had better go, Holmes." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "It certainly sounds feasible." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A man. I know him from the photograph." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal himself to hunt down. question. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "What shall I do?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with wedding?" beg that you will break it off." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "And I to find an enemy." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits what I may call a really hard day's work." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an have accepted such a situation. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "And now?" He raised his hand. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? money should be paid at once.' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "What do you make of that, Watson?" the stones. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A head. So long, then!" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for that he has suffered." "Do you know him?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But McCarthy." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not British peeress.'" strength in the others." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." grasp, he hurried from the room. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. name is different." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Edgeware Road. or in danger--" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish it right.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Ten will be early enough." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "The best possible." reach." "If I can be of use." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I beg pardon." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Yes, from Horsham." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "It is true that I have been generally successful." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, three fields round his house, and there he would take his very peculiar words of the dying woman?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use populous neighbourhood." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian out of this horrible affair." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has This is what he says: fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "And who is her maid?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Texas, I think." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to your troubles." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. fact, we may call it conclusive." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Pray let us have it, for all that." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a was lame." to surprise her." tapping his fingers upon the table. house for five minutes.' round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent companion imperturbably. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "What have you to say now?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "By no means." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the warnings." there has been an enclosure here!" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" whereabouts. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls about. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "What can you not understand?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "We must sit without light. He would see it through the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a towards the blaze. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." cost them two and thirty pounds." "It surprised me." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of fashion which was peculiar to him. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I am in hopes that she does." for securing the situation." what these perils are?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very me where it went to?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the point in the dark hollow of his hand. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right with the outside air!" formed some opinion?" that you can jump it.' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and woven round him. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "The King of Scandinavia." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily your only hope of safety." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "And why?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "9th. McCauley cleared. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man business." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'Is purely nominal.' an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To golden eyeglasses. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her started for the Temple to see my husband. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the salesman. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my rat could hardly pass through." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this people in all walks of life. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year delirious. "I am in hopes that she does." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "And how?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the weighed down with some great anxiety. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the nursery. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced heavily into it. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society married her." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Ha! you find it so?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Precisely so. But how--" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay laugh and put his lips to my ear. quite distinctive." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last morning." "I cannot tell." present." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg to a light-house. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "I cannot tell." weapon." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "And you thought he was pulled back?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Has he come with you to-night?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "We must have a cab." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes." from you?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to most interesting one." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the any little problem which you may submit to me." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, papers diligently of late, have you not?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." to-night's adventure." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, six. Come in!" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Again Holmes raved in the air. weapon." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Edgeware Road. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for round with crates and massive boxes. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but vault. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by call you and give you the chance." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and of Mr. Rucastle's." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church key turn in the lock." Holmes. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope joking. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the coronet at all injured?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's companion imperturbably. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was business in the City. She little knew what. "Precisely so. But how--" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story hurried by. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." cigars in their mouths. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of corner of the building. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "And how did he make his money?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "And now?" He raised his hand. present." "Was your sister dressed?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches some water from a caraffe. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St.