the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. three of the beryls in it, was missing. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the congenial hunt. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Leadenhall Street--and--" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, My friend smiled. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast into the bag, and made for the door. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point just ask you whether you had heard it.' "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his several quiet little villages up there." events than those which have happened in my own family." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and criminal. We have already had experience of such." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "But how?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Yes." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Leave Paddington by the 11:15." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "What! Had he lost his wife?" bonnet, and went out." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the important." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it bore every mark of being an average commonplace British had died away into the silence from which it rose. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "How on earth--" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece fishes. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Stoke Moran." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very bell. Holmes whistled. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you it with his own hands." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in anything to a woman, for she would have her way." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "But how did you gain them?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not felt the room to be a little close.' It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so other, as fresh and trim as possible. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry nothing of it?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "A confidential servant?" strode off upon his way. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means promised to bring home. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Holmes. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its might have a private word with us. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon said he. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue open." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was someone who had been in Australia." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "To an English lawyer named Norton." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." past. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Nothing?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his views." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Not in a good cause." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of existence." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "How are you getting on?" gigantic client. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that orange pips. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'I am sure that I do not know.' would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after third from London." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "What do you mean?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "But she will refuse." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Indeed! Whose, then?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the house with me." my room." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and disappearance of the bride.'" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "They are typewritten," I remarked. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw down in his armchair and closing his eyes. that you wished to speak to me?' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Lestrade of Scotland Yard." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. distinguish the words: red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a never will be, entirely cleared up. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and best detective that ever lived. has little to do with my story." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of fine shops and stately business premises that they really my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "It surprised me." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was clanging. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Was there a secret marriage?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of you." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, about. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Then how many are there?" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Yes, but only for you and me." cigars in their mouths. "No good news?" asked. chamber." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small charged with?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to himself in a perplexing position. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the child." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any other lovers by making love himself." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Very much so." is worth.' turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his crowd. "An enemy?" "The landlord of the Alpha." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "9th. McCauley cleared. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Never." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER sofa. This way, please!" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "But what harm can there be in that?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers forehead. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really call you and give you the chance." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened place no limit on the sum I may draw." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted nothing of it?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Get out!" said he. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" leaning back in his chair. any little problem which you may submit to me." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly father's young wife. outsides of the windows. whether it answered to the description of any of their "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "'I have already given you my word.' sofa. This way, please!" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "No." stammered. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the fled together." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four that he has suffered." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." daring than any effort of the imagination." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. you." strength in the others." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate depend upon my doing so.' "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and meant." joking. had a long day." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which knowledge of the world." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "The gentleman I describe." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his face. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "But the mystery?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "In which, sir?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to it." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This I took the paper from him and read as follows: the warnings." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced fishes. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the there!' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you had a long day." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion bears upon the case?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. helping a boy to put up the shutters. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott status with the IRS. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his do." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "What of the rat, then?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Why did you pick him?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "No?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one address. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could remarked. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a photograph?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife http://gutenberg.net/license). laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." tail." the general public were present, then?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no were unconscious?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, matter." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, affair. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently shall use the carriage to-night." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Clair, of Lee." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project secret." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "None." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "No. His orders were to stay in the house." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, returning from some small jollification and was making his way Serpentine Avenue. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Again Holmes raved in the air. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, bedroom door." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Seven!" I answered. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark felt?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two