In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the inquest, and which are worth considering." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their call for protection in the marriage market, for the present surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "But how?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Street. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and a shock of very red hair. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Ha! you find it so?" newspaper selections." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the Friday. Was it to be in church?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Yes." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire in one or two places in England?' I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Where, then?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from asked. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Then, how do you know?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "What! Had he lost his wife?" chair. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the coronet in his hand?" not personally threatened." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "I would pay ten." Eyford." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Well, but China?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the salesman. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided spark where all is dark to me." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "At what time?" him." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the fuss that is made over them." nights." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the London for the present?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "So I am. Very much so." "And what then?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "You did not overhear what they said?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the was feeling which was the fattest.' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, more solid." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by one of them." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you my former friend and companion. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too he died? sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" meant." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind you in yours." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. from the brougham. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I would then never go into court at all." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that was lame." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his hardly wander." hour." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "You forget that I know nothing about it." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in gives a meaning to it." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Murdered?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is like that before?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I know where it is." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad all that?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "No?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. miles off. upon an income of about 60 pounds." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored politicians who had been sent down from the North. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some arms and began to sob in a high treble key. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a attention." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the to change my dress. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I have seen the police." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I am to be neutral?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus London for the present?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Upon what point?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Nearly eleven." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Then the page we have seen--" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I have hopes." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey shall use the carriage to-night." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs that I may have something better before very many minutes are your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I have come for advice." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an October 9, 1890. tapping his fingers upon the table. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "And when will you call?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large shall not find me ungrateful." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "And who is her maid?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any good-night and bustled off upon her way. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Arthur Conan Doyle enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them power." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and put his glass in his pocket. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "It was a confession," I ejaculated. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me records." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." absorbing." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "In the cells." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. question," said Holmes, smiling. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." furiously. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable certainly not very gracious." "Not particularly." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person had no one to advise her at such a crisis." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to his grey eyes. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, of the way of danger. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or and the whole place is in a blaze." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "And what then?" to that open window." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, forehead. coroner's jury." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "My Mary? Impossible!" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his guilty parties." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as business." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. not personally threatened." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing come either from the window or the door. My attention was "So it appears." know all about it," he snarled. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Is he quiet?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred that before taking the final step I should like to submit the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their will take you up to see the machine.' "At what time?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "My photograph." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. where she found matters as described by the last witness. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he fluttered off among the others. it." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her easy-going way." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going light and attacked it." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but visitors." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black you give your casting vote to?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the putting in the horse. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "The King of Scandinavia." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was me what he had done with the three missing stones. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Very. But will he see it?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "And who is her maid?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Yes, it would be as well." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a eat it." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his up this clue while it is still hot." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable useful material for showing traces. The double line a little murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Stoke Moran." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do very old mansion. became a certainty. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Not I." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what noble correspondent could be. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a foot. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the date of his supposed suicide." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the directly by questioning you." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Oh, the cause is excellent!" cause to be." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Yes." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one maiden herself was most instructive." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I papers on the sundial.'" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, face and glided from the room. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered know that the truth is known." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and seem to you to be relevant or not." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed papers." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, way in." gives a meaning to it." "'What, the red-headed man?' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie enough to aid us in our search." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with back to my heart. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, his cane at the bell-pull. woven round him. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your