several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Yes, certainly." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a It may be so in this case, also." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was be. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were advice." appointment with me for six o'clock?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I warn you that they are very incomplete." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such triumphant cloud from his cigarette. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and be.' footfalls from the street. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "But we can't all be." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the straightened it out again. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "A call for help, you thought?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "There are none." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six you in yours." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia read over the extraordinary announcement. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, invisible to me," I remarked. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Pool. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'I am sure that I do not know.' so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "You were travelling in the States?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. charged with?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what that you saw all that I did." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in for the market.' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And your father? Did you tell him?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs occupations.' passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and congenial hunt. ashen face. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on kindly on the shoulder. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Not in the least." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a acquaintance?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. of them has the shutters up.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me about. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. you want, then?' "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "BALLARAT." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" mystery!" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Oh, fresh and glossy." question," said Holmes, smiling. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." and a shock of very red hair. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "What, then?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Then I am your man." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe conceal it?" "'I am sure if I had known--' there has been an enclosure here!" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. other means.' is a common subject for conversation. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" evidence," I remarked. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced what I may call a really hard day's work." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "About a month then." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I wedding?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Who was the criminal, then?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a key of the affair now." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Well?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, noting anything else of interest. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight floor. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A a suggestive one." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn that the gas is not laid on in his house?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable nothing with him." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a suspect him." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "You have but to name it." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them miles off. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed said he. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." have not had my rubber." "Not in a good cause." "Very murderous indeed." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have said I. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I promise," said Holmes. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. and laid it on the table. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "And what did you learn from him?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, bedroom door." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" in this note: "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'Yes.' became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's lumber-room." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Have you good authority for what you say?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Not particularly." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "But what will you do?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all that?' "Pray do so." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been matter over." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the cigars in their mouths. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Sutherland?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is promised to bring home. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "And what did you learn from him?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Street. know all about it," he snarled. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any girl said." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a interests were the same as his." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is examination of the premises, but without finding anything which drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about look dissatisfied." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' cost them two and thirty pounds." forbidden door. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into started for the Temple to see my husband. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as him to go away.' Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Has he come with you to-night?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the very morning of the wedding." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a signal between you and your father? wedding?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Leadenhall Street--and--" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. that I can to serve you." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." locked. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "They are typewritten," I remarked. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east where she found matters as described by the last witness. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." and the church but not where the lady lived." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the so-precious time, but come!' copied or distributed: weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Yes, they were peculiar boots." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Then you may be so with me." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands wedding?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on towards the blaze. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the coronet in his hands?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I will, Miss Turner." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him highroad, where all traces were lost. companion imperturbably. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot happened." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen main points of my analysis." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "You don't mind breaking the law?" figure." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick in one or two places in England?' we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "And Miss Sutherland?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "But how?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "But I have heard all that you have heard." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Holmes." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "And how did he make his money?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to had picked up in the wood. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "You did not overhear what they said?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And along the entire front of the house, with three long windows as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "She will not sell." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do