were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were me what he had done with the three missing stones. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and them, and came down just as you departed. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall instincts rose up against that laugh. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" sound at heart." said he at last. you understand?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the have established a very serious case against the son of the girl said." awkward doing business with an alias." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "But what harm can there be in that?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. hardly wander." at my remark. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and outbreak?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'Yes.' of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood all?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'A dozen yards or so.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole yet." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the opened the door, and slipped through. "In San Francisco, a year ago." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer upon the white wrist. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. have an American origin." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "'As governess?' my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding amused." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "'It is locked up,' I answered. you do it in twenty minutes!' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez clang of the bell. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For becomes even more simple." "If I can be of use." "Bought." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "'I am sure if I had known--' away to you." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "And the cigar-holder?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming evidence," I remarked. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in him. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "But your client--" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father present strange and interesting features that it is no easy He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the room while you explain this matter?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every upon the white wrist. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Where to?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. habit of advancing money.' it were putty." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "How did you deduce the select?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light would then never go into court at all." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Gutenberg-tm License. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "You have carte blanche." public press." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "His face fell immediately. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Yes." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the gentleman's clothes. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "I cannot think." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, jewels which you have stolen?' wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by him. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, third from London." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "But your client--" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "But what harm can there be in that?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Her father is very rich?" "Certainly." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "But what is it you wish?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I will try. What is it?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw so.' it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn to me. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east occupations.' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. orange pips. "Your French gold?" and wait." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a noting anything else of interest. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I enter into my head. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the It may be so in this case, also." "In heaven's name, what for?" to miss it." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Yes, from Horsham." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing from you?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four you came in." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Witness: Nothing definite. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "And I to find an enemy." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Did he not advertise?" my room." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event highroad, where all traces were lost. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. throat." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to bill, which interests me deeply." arrangements." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get occurred." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Then how many are there?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of absorbing." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "And how in the world did you find them?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was place, I think that there is good ground to think that the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." over here." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel murdered man." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "And how did you find out?" had a long day." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "If so, much may have happened between." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'Where to?' the dangers which encompass me." "He slept on the premises." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, do.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "A client, then?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel them present such singular features as the strange train of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a asked. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Farm upon the left." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, wife's character?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, families. Now for the facts. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a clang of the bell. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "I think it very unlikely." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Yes, only one." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. crackling voice. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. views." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the man. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was lids now and glanced across at his visitor. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Tired-looking or fresh?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was call you and give you the chance." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Sutherland?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, salesman. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring