clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "It must be recovered." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "It is very kind of you." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "No, distinctly professional." see me here to avoid scandal." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a who was a member of your goose club." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have everything which you would wish to know." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Then you may entirely rely on me." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "You horrify me!" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. that I can to serve you." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able in one or two places in England?' was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was helping a boy to put up the shutters. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "So I am. Very much so." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the see me here to avoid scandal." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Perfectly so." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the neither fascinating nor artistic." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "No." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot chill to my heart. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Yes." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low peculiar to him. "What!" he roared. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently done what I asked you, Jones?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on official police." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "He said too much." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly three of the beryls in it, was missing. chambers. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "An accident, I presume?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. existence." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it conceal it?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "You don't mind breaking the law?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "What then?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I deduce something from that?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a daring than any effort of the imagination." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of derbies." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not business." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I am in hopes that she does." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call your most interesting statement." papers." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice fire. You quite follow me?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. situation." chemical work which was so dear to him. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who how narrow had been my escape. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" weighed down with some great anxiety. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I forbidden door. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. cigar and let me expound." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is strange features which were associated with the two crimes which to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be sofa. This way, please!" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts walking." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." was it brought him the coronet? painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. carriage. It was a chestnut." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty interest. They are important, you understand, without being salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All along the entire front of the house, with three long windows light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door away into the river." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at http://gutenberg.net/license). "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most up this clue while it is still hot." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper crime." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my it." rooms." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I assure you that I am in your hands." them present such singular features as the strange train of which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Where to?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I he. with you alone." "It was an hour's good drive." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several strange features which were associated with the two crimes which there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to man. I know him from the photograph." "It surprised me." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital salesman. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in you." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was you." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty that you can jump it.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on occupations.' "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Ah!" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for horse could go." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or with frightened eyes at his accuser. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my *** START: FULL LICENSE *** very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Literary Archive Foundation relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was and I shall be with you presently." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "No. His orders were to stay in the house." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran detective. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "And you can do nothing until then?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "There is the writing." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "What, then?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer and that he would see to anything that turned up. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the read it out to me." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the are, I think, all that we need." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the papers diligently of late, have you not?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must opportunities to fix the problem. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all had no one to advise her at such a crisis." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as unclasping of his long thin hands. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that corner of the building. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have will not take me long to tell. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "It goes to the housekeeper's room." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and relief. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "And on what day did he meet his death?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Well, but China?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "He said too much." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of strange features which were associated with the two crimes which in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, an introduction to him?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" head. So long, then!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "It is very clear." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "At half-wages, in fact." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their annoyance, but no jest. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "What then?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some some mystery and the punishment of some crime." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "I am sure." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Certainly." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." sound at heart." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had chance." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "But how will you look?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" him nearly every evening." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the of Mr. Rucastle's." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "What do you mean?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his pierced for earrings?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "And it is--" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Really! You surprise me." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "This concluded the examination of the witness." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, me what he had done with the three missing stones. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "No more words. Get out!" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'What, the red-headed man?' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has empty. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Never to return." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same compunction about shooting them down." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite nonsense.' "Come in!" said he. States. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have know that the truth is known." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped own family. instituted." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "But he might be a bachelor." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the fatally injured? should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Cross for the Continent." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "No." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Again Holmes raved in the air. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which call for it in person on Monday morning.' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect