"You'll never persuade me to believe that." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no occupations.' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Always." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "No legal papers or certificates?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and direction." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the as the one I chose?' "Murdered?" "What is it, then--a fire?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call James Windibank. Voilà tout!" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Not him." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned address. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air http://www.gutenberg.net would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a I am not easy in my mind about them." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the best of training." and laid it on the table. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be particular state visit http://pglaf.org eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at approach us with offers to donate. felt the room to be a little close.' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to already referred to. wife's character?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an upon an income of about 60 pounds." have established a very serious case against the son of the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that fashion which was peculiar to him. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would thin legs towards the fire. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. awaited us upon the table. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "You are certainly joking, Holmes." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland some mystery and the punishment of some crime." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "It is very clear." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "That was it, sir." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. yards of it?' of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some on re-entering her father's house?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Then you may be so with me." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." any." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms business in the City. She little knew what. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream key turn in the lock." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to-night?' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "It was a confession," I ejaculated. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the case before our client came into the room." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any case before our client came into the room." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'Then let me do so?' things are very often connected not with the larger but with the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It imbecility!" he cried. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project other lovers by making love himself." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have face and glided from the room. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "The best possible." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Well, some hundreds of times." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, thought that she would have been so carried away." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped cause to be." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself to go into your room and bar your shutters?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" bonnet, and went out." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I assure you that I am in your hands." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable sake, don't!" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Chief Executive and Director "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "No more words. Get out!" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Street. held up the lantern and gazed about him. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Whose house is it?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money both be extremely obliged.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in that he has suffered." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat taking in every detail of the apartment. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which American. Then who could this American be, and why should he a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Frequently." over part of the map. "What do you read?" DISSOLVED. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose you do it in twenty minutes!' "Certainly." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' hour." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" second." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' of your young ladies.' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold locked." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" someone who had been in Australia." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." you." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some matter." matter." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "And your mother is alive?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "You have a clue?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Eyford at 11:15.' all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very goes." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and I shall be with you presently." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a this unhappy family?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Holmes rather sternly. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm lamp. it means?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out our word." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Sutherland?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his hour?' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of your young ladies.' "You have but to name it." writer." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, has little to do with my story." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the call it cruel." quite distinctive." "'Ample.' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "You think so, too?" "Where did he live, then?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "And your father? Did you tell him?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "You horrify me!" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw My friend smiled. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey character. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Dirty?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his to his chemical studies. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" chambers. such attractions and accomplishments?' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent pound a week." strength." tension within him. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some thin, with a long, sharp nose?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler of it with the greatest attention. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he at home. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "This concluded the examination of the witness." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to way in everything. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "What shall I do?" clang of the bell. without a word or a look. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "That is possible." lamp in his hand. and that he would see to anything that turned up. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late like gravel from a pit.' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy stood on the top of it. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. lectures into a series of tales." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'What do you call purely nominal?' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So I shall continue with my miserable story. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "And why?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. pierced for earrings?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers The summons was a brief and urgent one. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, important." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "What have you done?" asked Holmes. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny and prosperity to your house. Good-night." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "What can you not understand?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her forbidden door. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of to-morrow." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would my secret was safe in his possession. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." certainly not very gracious." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "How did he come?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "How did you trace it, then?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some now. It seems that there had been some informality about their foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "My photograph." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Then I shall certainly come." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "We were both in the photograph." "Upon what point?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not both be extremely obliged.' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons quickly through a disagreeable task. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "He might." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained conduct the inquiry." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. London for the present?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. were new raised from a basin. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of