pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished in this note: present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Yes, sir." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "This concluded the examination of the witness." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'Is purely nominal.' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on IS admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt was a loud and authoritative tap. just called myself is not exactly my own." them, and came down just as you departed. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "No." Surrey." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I think that it is very probable." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which garden below. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this went to the Alpha were town bred." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the visitors." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Did your wife hear all this?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "And for present expenses?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "But of what society?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Holmes' face clouded over. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, when your master had gone out." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the hereditary King of Bohemia." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I cannot think." you, my dear young lady?' "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off other means.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. have got?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer I approached. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, I nodded to show that I had heard. was used.' "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "That is possible." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' this man was intellectual?" vanished into the darkness. "You know me, then?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "And how in the world did you find them?" of your young ladies.' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those bled considerably." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "That is not always so easy." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a business in the City. She little knew what. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable which it had come upon my father." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "You are all wrong." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "The Cedars?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Very murderous indeed." a monotonous occupation." up this clue while it is still hot." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Surrey." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, rooms." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together morning." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said electronic works "What! You do not mean bodies?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning not personally threatened." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a sound at heart." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has said he. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day to a light-house. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'Yes, it was gone.' time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad call for protection in the marriage market, for the present once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and sake, don't!" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "He is dead," cried several voices. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell pound a week." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious are, and they are waiting for us." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then there!' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and golden eyeglasses. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all DAMAGE. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too that I can to serve you." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'About the same.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the held up the lantern and gazed about him. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. His smile broadened. pictures, libraries, or plate. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, over here." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Why, what do you mean?" meant." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came possible that we could bring him back to her? last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. notes," he said. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I was certainly surprised to find you there." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion round with crates and massive boxes. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. might have a private word with us. you." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the congenial hunt. never came back." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "My photograph." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which over here." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose written. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "It is no ordinary one." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "I promise," said Holmes. said he. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most look dissatisfied." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. strength in the others." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "To an end?" one of the states of the Union." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And leave your case unfinished?" himself. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a gone. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one province." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Did he not advertise?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "No, my brougham is waiting." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "And you thought he was pulled back?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. comes from the middle window." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of the roots. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'I am sure if I had known--' "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That some mystery and the punishment of some crime." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it searched, without anything being found which could incriminate compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Quite so." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock simple cases which are so extremely difficult." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" noting anything else of interest. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty so.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert than to us. to have been novel and of interest." "But not more so than I to find you." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite what I may call a really hard day's work." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Because he was handy and would come cheap." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out shag which I had seen upon the previous night. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the call the police, let the police find what they can.' to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the dangers which encompass me." "'Is purely nominal.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "There are none." key turn in the lock." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive together. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I carriage. It was a chestnut." astonishment. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel my secret was safe in his possession. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the again on its way. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Yes, he did." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Here?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Where is it, then?" future lives." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet new duties?' fear." "My private note-paper." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "It is possible." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of think, you have already met." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after I took the paper from him and read as follows: again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian tapping his fingers upon the table. drawing your inferences." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "No, my brougham is waiting." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little triumphant cloud from his cigarette. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove wedding?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here waste of energy." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he any." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Holmes' room. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you carriage. It was a chestnut." occurred." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Yes." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong photograph a cabinet?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, shaken than I had ever seen him. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. legal crime." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'Where could I find him?' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place go back?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me