"Of Friday, June 19th." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Perhaps I have." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" fishes. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "And for present expenses?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Do you know him?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "You have a clue?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter gone before you can get him to hospital." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for very morning of my second wedding." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a that he will be back before evening." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two assist you in forming an opinion." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact persecution?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." than was visible to me." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Yes, certainly." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "I am all attention, madam." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely over here." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Ten to two.' "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some passage and a tap at the door. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the window, rose as we entered. Holmes' room. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip salesman. Holmes. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and few hundred pounds.' "Well, but China?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Where to?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "You have but to name it." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more client, rising. kind enough to tell me what I should do." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "And your mother is alive?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were who was a member of your goose club." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. foresight and the moral retrogression?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, used to be." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the have established a very serious case against the son of the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any crime." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I to change my dress. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and he bowed and left the room without another word. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "What can you not understand?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not business?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott letters?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "BALLARAT." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "You think so, too?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" I am not easy in my mind about them." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the room?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you or other trace. But how on earth--" "Yes, from Horsham." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not it right.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was and wait." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your some water from a caraffe. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in humiliation." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a door?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "No good news?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You forget that I know nothing about it." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "I would give my fortune to have them back." "The King of Scandinavia." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "The knees of his trousers." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square The events in question occurred in the early days of my Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one You can understand that this register and diary may implicate fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall pierced for earrings?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank where we are going." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, reach." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And from a noble client?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at do." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "What is it, then--a fire?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" thought that she would have been so carried away." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The that he has suffered." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before already been minutely examined." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." criminal. We have already had experience of such." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and call you and give you the chance." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "You don't mind breaking the law?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Not I." easy-going way." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is searched, without anything being found which could incriminate What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She enough to aid us in our search." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it address. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "An accident, I presume?" easy-going way." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not a little more before I quite committed myself. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "My Mary? Impossible!" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage grasp, he hurried from the room. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "That is it on the dressing-table." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded all that?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I don't believe it." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I place no limit on the sum I may draw." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "He said that you could solve anything." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "I will get her to show me." like that before?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would recover the gem." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "The best possible." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had as the one I chose?' "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "This photograph!" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' as yours." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it despaired of." "By all means." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." it." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the roots. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his shall use the carriage to-night." "I am in hopes that she does." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I will get her to show me." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her you in your example." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "What do you make of that, Watson?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled was a lad." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the vault. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my that, and I came down." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, may have an influence upon European history." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend late." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked behind me. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Yes." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Street. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "He is dead," cried several voices. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Was your sister dressed?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about this man was intellectual?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Then I shall certainly come." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the joking. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the morning and make my own way in the world.' while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I saw her in conversation with her maid." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for to take care of herself." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the inquest, and which are worth considering." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. these bleak autumnal evenings." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our as the one I chose?' footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. is," said he presently: "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "At what time?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to have that photograph." question," said Holmes, smiling. it." the nursery. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. fat-encircled eyes. too. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately as yours." into the room. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is galvanised. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely writer." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness fuss that is made over them." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Will you bet, then?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Where could I find him?' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Well, some hundreds of times." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their there is a decided draught." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of the one which your family is now devouring." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "'I have already given you my word.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "And why?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, invisible to me," I remarked. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to open." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "No." before, for it was considerably after midnight. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Really! You surprise me." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry