his cane at the bell-pull. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me me where it went to?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the money should be paid at once.' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Holmes rather sternly. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "'What, the red-headed man?' your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as think, you have already met." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "And you can do nothing until then?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss without success. At last the little money which I had saved began my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed views." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter tension within him. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I four million human beings all jostling each other within the to take care of herself." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason London for the present?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very in a very precise fashion." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an feature." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent woven round him. "Yes, sir." front of me. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to not within a twentieth part of the market price." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for distinguish the words: possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he matters immensely." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you man. I know him from the photograph." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed tapping his fingers upon the table. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "You are certainly joking, Holmes." strength of mind to control. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid weighed down with some great anxiety. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "It is true that I have been generally successful." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not wall." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. words came to my lips. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss experiences." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the foresight and the moral retrogression?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "That was it, sir." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "She walked into the breakfast-room." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Yes, sir." meant." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which cause to be." His name is Francis Prosper." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Get out!" said he. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I cannot tell." strength of mind to control. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Precisely." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "It is a murder, then?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I was sure that I might rely on you." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his I nodded to show that I had heard. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the tell me that you intended to go into harness." believe that I should never have any practice at all. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his cost them two and thirty pounds." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Well, but China?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of again, where I was soon asleep. "But what harm can there be in that?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some happened." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said envelope. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "None." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Have you it here?" this unhappy family?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm present." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a you?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut detained." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in disturbance in my wife." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Precisely." not, dad?" she asked. "But you can know nothing of this?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a congenial hunt. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'In my own bureau.' The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. to change my dress. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Of what?" situation." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its swore that no one else had been in the front room during the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the outbreak?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "She will not sell." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss such person." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there have I gained?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "By no means." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the stable lane now." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it undoubtedly my uncle's." "He is dead," cried several voices. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is their singular warning or token before them when starting upon understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. spark where all is dark to me." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Very truly yours, strong reason behind." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "One of his hands." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from returned to France?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "You know me, then?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some friends, not even his own brother. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than she might be summoned. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both bell. Holmes whistled. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Get out!" said he. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." even of instruction." weapon." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Yes." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I see no marks." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "No, my brougham is waiting." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished crime. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark murdered man." "I shall be delighted." you." "She walked into the breakfast-room." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "That also I could fathom." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from strode off upon his way. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as him. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window with the outside air!" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Witness: Nothing definite. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but which should have the effect of calling the attention of the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, these bleak autumnal evenings." brain must have something in it." "No?" promised to bring home. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the least a most suspicious remark." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy standing smiling on the door-step. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just again, where I was soon asleep. do." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "To an end?" shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon upon the white wrist. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "But she could not love him." all that?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Gutenberg-tm License. been with you?" "'Yes, I promise.' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their may never be exposed to such a temptation." "She showed me, as I told you she would." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco use an arc-and-compass breastpin." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy and files of the old papers, following the future career of every peculiar to him. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Yes." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite standing smiling on the door-step. get the tickets." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He said I. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were useful material for showing traces. The double line a little are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "At the wedding breakfast." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work was feeling which was the fattest.' Edgeware Road. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are together. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. hour?' if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you easy-going way." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Precisely." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel