yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the security.' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Why serious?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with used to be." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "But of what society?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing evidence," I remarked. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush putting in the horse. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you appointment with me for six o'clock?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the devil!" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "And that is--" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "And you can do nothing until then?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to-morrow." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "It is no ordinary one." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "What of the rat, then?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I fear." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and success. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "But how did you gain them?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Eyford at 11:15.' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. looking up at the numbers of the houses." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one to surprise her." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency she to prove their authenticity?" straightened it out again. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much which was all perfectly true. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Yes, it would be as well." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Yes." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Your sister is dead, then?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "I will try. What is it?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. his forehead." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. villagers almost as much as their master. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The you." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely sparkled upon his finger. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes knowledge of the world." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had your equipment. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could unclasping of his long thin hands. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "No legal papers or certificates?" read over the extraordinary announcement. was it brought him the coronet? I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Then I shall certainly come." garden below. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch ventilator." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in constraint." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I cannot say that I have." charged with?" "One of the highest in England." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial peculiar to him. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing help us in this matter." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "My last client of the sort was a king." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "It is very kind of you." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a face and glided from the room. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular girl said." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'Certainly,' I answered. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I felt the room to be a little close.' across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was plantation.' him and tried to hold him back. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth placed his cuttings. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "But your client--" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, note?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "How did you trace it, then?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. see me here to avoid scandal." "From his hat?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside any." retorted upon me, and I on you." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, little trying to do so much typewriting?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and brandy and water within his reach. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I warn you that they are very incomplete." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are read over the extraordinary announcement. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I know where it is." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Yes. He waved his hands." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between British peeress.'" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. is a common subject for conversation. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" green of the new foliage. or other trace. But how on earth--" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Yes, it would be as well." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Nor running a chance of arrest?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "To an English lawyer named Norton." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I opened the door, and slipped through. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is few hundred pounds.' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my McCarthy's innocence. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in bill, which interests me deeply." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead populous neighbourhood." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Yes." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down rat could hardly pass through." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa deduce something from that?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "To an English lawyer named Norton." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking just called myself is not exactly my own." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, of receipt of the work. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and capable of preserving a secret.' "And now?" He raised his hand. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I lost nothing by them." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I do." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Watson," he said cordially. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, such person." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for happened." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "No sign of it?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'Where to?' recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. you." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I cannot as yet see any connection." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." lost his Christmas dinner." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." about. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "How many? I don't know." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her signal between you and your father? hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "It is very clear." "And how did you verify them?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: made his money." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he extraordinary contortions. "None." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. occupations.' "'Entirely.' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the warnings." "I cannot tell." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, call for it in person on Monday morning.' way: humiliation." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "And your mother is alive?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I am sure." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once