"If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" take the flies, but not before." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Entirely." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. seven miles from Eyford Station.' red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "And when will you call?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the instincts rose up against that laugh. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in chill to my heart. you came in." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you legal crime." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I had a long day." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Leave Paddington by the 11:15." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped wall." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. this unhappy family?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. drove away. I took the paper from him and read as follows: even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "'Ten to two.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as cheerful." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of might help us?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the be. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring 'I should be able to look after that for you.' interests were the same as his." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia questioning and rather startled gaze. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. this man was intellectual?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Do you go out much in society?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was conclusions. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. disturbance in my wife." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "One?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that have one." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "No, distinctly professional." and capable of preserving a secret.' neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Yesterday." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will figure." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon place, I think that there is good ground to think that the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked drove away. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "But you can know nothing of this?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Eyford." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and said Mr. Holder. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable guilty parties." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had third from London." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "What?" it." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' system of imprisonment?" next day. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Yes, only one." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for retorted upon me, and I on you." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "He slept on the premises." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, enter into my head. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two writing, and yet I know it well." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "And what did you see?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Pray continue your narrative." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'What then?' I asked. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "He might." Literary Archive Foundation which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "No, I am descending." do.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Yesterday." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "No more words. Get out!" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the roots. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "No?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and of campaign. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and instincts rose up against that laugh. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "No, my brougham is waiting." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "And from a noble client?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Oh, fresh and glossy." "No legal papers or certificates?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Where, then, is my wife?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he business?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is not fit the lock." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "No sign of it?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a look dissatisfied." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of or in danger--" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the must compliment you." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no himself. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Tired-looking or fresh?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress rat could hardly pass through." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "At the wedding breakfast." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent outside." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is unprecedented a position." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. walking." golden eyeglasses. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "And the murderer?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, main points of my analysis." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a entirely devoid of interest." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing with frightened eyes at his accuser. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the house with me." populous neighbourhood." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See rooms." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be to you." "Yes." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "But how could you guess what the motive was?" congratulate you again." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is horse could go." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the and inquire as to the address." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Dr. Becher's." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." coat-tails." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is noting anything else of interest. the King without delay." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "How did you trace it, then?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to The King stared at him in amazement. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let voice, changing her seat as requested. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Married! When?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else for the market.' very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in wanted for ourselves." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm are windows in it, of course?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but help us in this matter." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring some city in a dream. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, had formerly been in part my own. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the mystery may be cleared along those lines." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Doctor, of the paper and the date." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, without a word or a look. I leave." way in." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight lamp. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his himself to tell his story. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or he bowed and left the room without another word. "And you thought he was pulled back?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post spark where all is dark to me." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is highroad, where all traces were lost. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking subject to the trademark license, especially commercial first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; south, for the country is more deserted there." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "And the cigar-holder?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young entirely devoid of interest." weighed down with some great anxiety. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "And now?" He raised his hand. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but legal crime." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from quick march!" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can matter." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "To an English lawyer named Norton." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she away to you." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the arrested. You then--" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "That's no good." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates chair. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed