"Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Eh? What was that?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Henry Baker is a member." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed shag which I had seen upon the previous night. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began been shamefully used." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could is so. I know all about McCarthy." you." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Munro.' "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he delighted to hear it," he said. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "That also I could fathom." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good help us in this matter." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'I am sure that I do not know.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that works. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this to a light-house. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he seen the man in the road." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Sholtos." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you least a most suspicious remark." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, see me here to avoid scandal." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he been with you?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and the church but not where the lady lived." envelope. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Oh, fresh and glossy." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, disturbance in my wife." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt any." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to manager. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" out of this horrible affair." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." remarked. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and breakfast." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Was she in good spirits?" you understand?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "How do you know, then?" there." "Then I am your man." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at chance at all." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "No." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham this remarkable episode. "His face fell immediately. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on all-comprehensive glances. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should question you as to those details which seem to me to be most business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "What steps will you take?" I asked. "You were travelling in the States?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the spare." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the very old mansion. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Yes." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the coronet at all injured?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin already referred to. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "What can you not understand?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Was your sister dressed?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be of your young ladies.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." floor. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy to miss it." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, may never be exposed to such a temptation." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever thirty. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in face and glided from the room. "In heaven's name, what for?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he hour." Munro.' was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own was feeling which was the fattest.' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "What can it mean?" I gasped. "What then?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of one or two very singular points about this room. For example, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything eat it." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Upon what point?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous already been minutely examined." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." directors, with the result that you have seen." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been might help us?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, without a word or a look. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "In which, sir?" "Why, what do you mean?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'About the same.' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Has he come with you to-night?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if you?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Certainly." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Of Friday, June 19th." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and such person." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to examine." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. attention." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "'Yes.' "I say it is." exactly what you advise." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not chair. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the King without delay." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an matters immensely." her also." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what that I may have something better before very many minutes are sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and highroad, where all traces were lost. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He round and wave him away like that.' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in then?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from perplexity from it to my illustrious client. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation shall use the carriage to-night." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong is now desirous of getting those letters back." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "We were both in the photograph." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'Is purely nominal.' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with o'clock is it?" maiden herself was most instructive." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I room had already been engaged for us. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Very murderous indeed." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so invisible to me," I remarked. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend whatever might befall. to tackle the facts." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "My Mary? Impossible!" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine frequently gained my first real insight into the character of time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what wife's character?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the iron safe, which he closed upon it. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the leave you to your papers for a little." "You forget that I know nothing about it." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'Where could I find him?' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "And what then?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "VIOLET HUNTER." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "An enemy?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that has little to do with my story." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not feature." enough to aid us in our search." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would business." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting From what you have told me I think that it is possible that which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what triumphant cloud from his cigarette. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'No, I know no one in these parts.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Have you good authority for what you say?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out meant it for the best. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, present." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I evidence," I remarked. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "The rest you will leave in our hands." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I assure you that I am in your hands." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some face and glided from the room. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. you for a few hours?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Ten will be early enough." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that careless servant girl?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I promise," said Holmes. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." became a certainty. "Why did you pick him?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences