I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Quite so." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and that he would see to anything that turned up. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were I shall communicate with you." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master words came to my lips. some terrible trap for her." sufficient punishment." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up sound at heart." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Seven!" I answered. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "So I heard. You have him here?" Holmes rather sternly. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such points in connection with it which never have been, and probably As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "What shall I do?" and inquire as to the address." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the name is different." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of nights." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'Which dealer's?' "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few bachelor.' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. gentleman's clothes. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, a monotonous occupation." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" name is different." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham the salesman. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Did he not advertise?" upon the white wrist. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I cannot tell." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address as the one I chose?' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a of the way of danger. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some so far?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the security.' room had already been engaged for us. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Not social, then?" "But his lameness?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: excitement. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yes, certainly." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in with her." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. taking in every detail of the apartment. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch chill to my heart. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I was afraid that you were engaged." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps his grey eyes. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the come either from the window or the door. My attention was he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Did your wife hear all this?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Yes, it would be as well." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'Certainly not.' these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "No?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Yes, sir." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it at a side door. if she died from some sudden fright." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs cause to be." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the himself in a perplexing position. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing man. I know him from the photograph." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the I leave." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "But he might be a bachelor." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Yes, it was twisted." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "How did he come?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder impression behind it as though a window had gently closed seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that and files of the old papers, following the future career of every by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian had formerly been in part my own. fled together." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his key turn in the lock." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "But who is he?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "That is also quite modern," said the lady. delirious. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "My dear Holmes!" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary matters immensely." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots sake, don't!" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "This concluded the examination of the witness." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my careless servant girl?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "None." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my behind me. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Yes." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' matter over." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Lestrade of Scotland Yard." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "But how did you gain them?" "Yes, certainly." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he know that the truth is known." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Very good.' you in your example." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the I have it here in my museum." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Of what?" astonishment. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and have I gained?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, until night should bring an explanation. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a waste of energy." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say third from London." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms skylight. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you experiences." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have may have an influence upon European history." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife skylight. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "He is still with you, I presume?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fashion which was peculiar to him. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "What do you make of that, Watson?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he corner of the building. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "But it has twice been burgled." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "How many? I don't know." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the station." was already answered. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk and laid it on the table. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "What is it, then--a fire?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "But you can know nothing of this?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." cause to be." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the ways of our fellow-men." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. be. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'Ample.' the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes present." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City more solid." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a an introduction to him?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. my room." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "How are you getting on?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better man. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the one's self under obligations.' "It is very kind of you." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, followed. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve sufficient punishment." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "'I have heard so.' relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands if only as a check to my own memory." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange introspective fashion. must compliment you." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. felt?" pictures, libraries, or plate. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I would pay ten." upon the sideboard." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I have hopes." derbies." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A come either from the window or the door. My attention was Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be article?" "Not him." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "'Is purely nominal.' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room bonnet, and went out." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the purpose of examination. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the You want to know what became of those geese?" "I cannot think." hand, madam?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "On your arm?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Do you go out much in society?" Mrs. Toller serenely. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of very peculiar words of the dying woman?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Do you go out much in society?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink.