slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. until night should bring an explanation. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "That's no good." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying fled together." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Nothing?" "At the wedding breakfast." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "No, my brougham is waiting." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from fish-monger and a tide-waiter." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to a light-house. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his his eyes and forehead. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "No bad?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small London for the present?" Holmes rather sternly. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the father's place of business?" "Her father is very rich?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. approach us with offers to donate. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our said he at last. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I to affect your life." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "And the murderer?" people don't know." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Very good.' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest outside." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. you do it in twenty minutes!' Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, writers could invent nothing more crude." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to himself. daring than any effort of the imagination." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though woven round him. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would get her out of the way." strength." "In heaven's name, what for?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. unkempt, staring out at me. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "And Miss Sutherland?" questionable one." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the coroner come to?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I do you make of it all?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to his knees, staring into the fire. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not existence." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Yes, from Horsham." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Eyford." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my problems help me to do so." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who interest. They are important, you understand, without being him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow details." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Stolen, then." few hundred pounds.' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the go from here to the Strand." woven round him. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the me have 200 pounds?' golden eyeglasses. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It looks newer than the other things?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, as noiselessly as she had come. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "It is to him that this trophy belongs." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his situation." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "To an English lawyer named Norton." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "And sit in the dark?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I cannot say that I have." fasten all the windows?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and no precautions can guard against." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "What do you mean?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after The police have openly confessed that they can at present make have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he would then never go into court at all." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Your sister is dead, then?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Holmes rather sternly. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a have not had my rubber." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the coronet in his hands?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than reach." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon will find little credit to be gained out of this case." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will do.' window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the I think that I could be of assistance to you." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "What is it, then--a fire?" fatally injured? Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save during which he might have communicated with his friend the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view a room. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked an introduction to him?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it would apply.' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and discontent upon his features. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and wait." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a been." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the child." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down passage and a tap at the door. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "It's nothing of the kind." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I cannot as yet see any connection." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "One of the highest in England." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I shall most certainly do so." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" tightly behind him. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it a little more before I quite committed myself. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a your co-operation." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by perplexity from it to my illustrious client. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "How did you trace it, then?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw were wasted." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "But she will refuse." if I call to-morrow?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "My dear Holmes!" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, your own bird, so if you wish--" stammered. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "And now?" He raised his hand. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "A call for help, you thought?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' points to suicide?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking this Miss Turner." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody beg that you will break it off." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "But how did you gain them?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Yes." his eyes and forehead. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no held up the lantern and gazed about him. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "How many? I don't know." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Not him." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean go back?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of standing smiling on the door-step. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man said I. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Come in!" said Holmes. Miss Holder?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the address. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the more solid." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he despair." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I note?" purpose equally well?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to was keenly on my guard against him. "Never to return." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could direction." furiously. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' away to you." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this said he. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness only touch the interest." "Breckinridge is his name." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "What! Had he lost his wife?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just and capable of preserving a secret.' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Nothing?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Why did you pick him?" outside." for and were ordered to this address. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." purpose equally well?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as