very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a whole matter to your consideration." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you have I gained?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an cost them two and thirty pounds." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If look upon these things in a different way." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the John Swain, of St. Augustine. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over quickly through a disagreeable task. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled go--none." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Stolen, then." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, hair?' Surrey." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really point our research must commence, and we will begin it by English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Certainly, madam." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Dr. Becher's." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his laugh and put his lips to my ear. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very you came in." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." your most interesting statement." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and beyond words. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. careless servant girl?" Lee, in the county of Kent." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name have one." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you room?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her hardly wander." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even desk. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which matter over." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "But how will you look?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is allusion to a rat. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" acted in my house last night?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Then I am your man." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes wedding?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake there in twenty minutes." off." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "A call for help, you thought?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I cannot tell." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' presume?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to sooner or later she must fall a victim. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Of what day?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the matter." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was During two years I have had three consultations and one small all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "What?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "You were travelling in the States?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Oh, no.' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'Certainly not.' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for his knees, staring into the fire. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal into the room. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She quick march!" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons had picked up in the wood. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and against a man in the prime of life?" very morning of my second wedding." "That also I could fathom." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed forehead. "Breckinridge is his name." "Very truly yours, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I My friend smiled. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning presented more singular features than that which was associated himself in a perplexing position. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very least a most suspicious remark." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. friend's singular character. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "What then?" as yours." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His coroner's jury." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Holmes, the busybody!" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" questioning and rather startled gaze. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be infinite languor in his face. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Where, indeed?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from take the flies, but not before." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "I was mad--insane." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce be there in time for your coming." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that tension within him. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the stable lane now." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "The landlord of the Alpha." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, formed some opinion?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fishes. her also." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life more terrible than the truth. I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'Is purely nominal.' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new your bag." despaired of." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Holmes. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. system of imprisonment?" again, where I was soon asleep. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and your Highness to the police-station?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the answered with a sidelong glance. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely fish-monger and a tide-waiter." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Perfectly so." "That is possible." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day at home. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out an introduction to him?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Eh? What was that?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and whereabouts. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be passage and a tap at the door. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father note?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, felt?" bell. Holmes whistled. behind me. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank his huge brown hands. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "But how did you gain them?" "Yes, it would be as well." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Murdered?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I think that it is very probable." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "None." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we from you?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the roots. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And why in hopes?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by invisible to me," I remarked. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Literary Archive Foundation Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Absolutely?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "VIOLET HUNTER." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. conceal it?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I was mad--insane." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always so far?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing from the brougham. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. behind me. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not way: "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "What?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done tail." me." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out province." "Will you go?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "And leave your case unfinished?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Yes." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the forecastle of an emigrant ship. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Where to?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring coroner's jury." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But anything to do with the matter?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but memory. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets married her." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that