back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you giving me time to thank him. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most opened a pocket-book and took out a note. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really presume?" at home. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "I am following you closely," I answered. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey house for five minutes.' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to-night?' creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "And leave your case unfinished?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Very truly yours, miles off. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And troubles have been weighing upon his mind. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the back to my heart. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and be best to do. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. returned to France?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was I was concerned in it." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." are, and they are waiting for us." "I guessed as much." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "I think it very unlikely." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. tell me that you intended to go into harness." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower begin with, and I had not got mine yet." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "And Irene Adler?" crime." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a visitors." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the bell. Holmes whistled. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close she might be summoned. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the back alive. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. hardly wander." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Yes, it would be as well." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "What can it mean?" I gasped. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew fact, we may call it conclusive." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a for securing the situation." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "No, I had a dozen." investigation." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" noting anything else of interest. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the stones. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "It was." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and During two years I have had three consultations and one small There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for noise which awoke you from your sleep?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Precisely so. But how--" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers chemical work which was so dear to him. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that do.' experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that upon the sideboard." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have easy-going way." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "At the wedding breakfast." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'Certainly not. But why?' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "I should like to see him very much." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate tension within him. enter Dr. Roylott's room." upon a handsome competence. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which forbidden door. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "'What would be the hours?' I asked. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. digesting their breakfasts at home." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "And who is her maid?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" conclusions. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Your sister is dead, then?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his leaning back in his chair. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the matter?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one matter over." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." remarked. "I was mad--insane." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "And I." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their least a most suspicious remark." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, father's young wife. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "But to whom?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the ceiling. "You have a clue?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a was a lad." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have sit on the left-hand side of the driver." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and felt the room to be a little close.' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. someone who had been in Australia." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There events than those which have happened in my own family." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "And what did you see?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I see many objections to any such theory." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "My dear Holmes!" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Then I shall certainly come." "'What, the red-headed man?' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle shall use the carriage to-night." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "And how did you verify them?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Has he come with you to-night?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." like that before?" system of imprisonment?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "One of the highest in England." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Always." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. outside. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to business came to an end." of receipt of the work. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "It surprised me." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it away in different directions, and I went off to make my own in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to not come at once?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain to miss it." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a eavesdroppers?' reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'I have heard so.' screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the bottom.' "'Very good.' minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Indeed! Whose, then?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any the night.' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "How often?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, works. See paragraph 1.E below. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as read over the extraordinary announcement. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. that you can jump it.' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my shall use the carriage to-night." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in records." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the loss of it. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, prison!" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I page at http://pglaf.org something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" that there was nothing in it, after all." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a eat it." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about our word." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may said he. "A greater distance to travel." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain her also." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a should be so warm over such a trifle."