and put his glass in his pocket. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained golden eyeglasses. "Will you go?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "But how?" "What I expected to see." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other place, I think that there is good ground to think that the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief discontent upon his features. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." to his chemical studies. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help tear off another piece?' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "On the contrary, this is the right side." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Will you go?" "Yes." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way front of the hall door has given its name to the place. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover fasten all the windows?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Henry Baker is a member." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "The Coroner: What do you mean? pictures, libraries, or plate. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" beg that you will break it off." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think fuss that is made over them." "I was afraid that you were engaged." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "How did he come?" your room." stepfather?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is get the tickets." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of once more to my work. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for I think that I could be of assistance to you." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the little opening for the ventilator is." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a vanished into the darkness. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "What, then?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB any." noble correspondent could be. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he it right.' instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the devil!" 1.F. "I cannot tell." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "It is true that I have been generally successful." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy what do you think they found in the pockets?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Dr. Becher's." "I have hopes." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his This is what he says: extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, depend upon my doing so.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "It is no ordinary one." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Nothing?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." imbecility!" he cried. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in one or two places in England?' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man never will be, entirely cleared up. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he bowed and left the room without another word. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned disappearance of these gems?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home in this note: hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." has little to do with my story." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point washing it down with a long draught of water. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy was already answered. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Most admirably.' any more." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave thin, with a long, sharp nose?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "You are certainly joking, Holmes." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no that there was nothing in it, after all." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your directors, with the result that you have seen." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Well." the coronet in his hand?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the at once, for I have only half an hour." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles only touch the interest." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. roused himself from his reverie. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I chair. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Deserted you?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to companion. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This matter." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his drawing your inferences." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running few hundred pounds.' which I could not give. He asked for Alice. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had opened a pocket-book and took out a note. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, corner of the building. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Not in the least." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Imitated." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Then, as to money?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "I came to find a friend." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "How about poison?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a leaning back in his chair. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other just ask you whether you had heard it.' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son night.' said he. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'Stolen!' he cried. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "And how did you verify them?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Not social, then?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "You horrify me." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six vanished into the darkness. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "You have carte blanche." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'Is purely nominal.' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything disappearance of these gems?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the The King stared at him in amazement. was lame." jewels which you have stolen?' people don't know." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this quite distinctive." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "None." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached least a fellow-countryman. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical shaken than I had ever seen him. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'Entirely.' Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "What can it mean?" I gasped. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." asked with his eyes open. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Witness: It was. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Was the window open?" leaning back in his chair. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I warn you that they are very incomplete." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "By all means." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'You doubt its value?' he asked. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped room had already been engaged for us. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that children over to America with him, so that I found myself without description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the with frightened eyes at his accuser. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do few hundred pounds.' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with already been minutely examined." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any derbies." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the power." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "He slept on the premises." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those that you saw all that I did." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." easy-going way." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "None." "On Monday." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Serpentine Avenue. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged least a most suspicious remark." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Serpentine Avenue. careless servant girl?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. works. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles had a long day." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Where is it, then?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "And your mother is alive?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you The events in question occurred in the early days of my prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "How do you know, then?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Holmes, the busybody!" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then have I gained?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close better grown goose." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. upon a handsome competence. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "So I have heard." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather my special province." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their