usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Very well, sir. And this stone?" existence." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box noise which awoke you from your sleep?" back alive. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, you." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Ah, but I was recommended to you." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "No. What a strange idea!" "But it has twice been burgled." more solid." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "No." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately which I could not give. He asked for Alice. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a your most interesting statement." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Yes." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of dramatic, in fact." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "I answered that I had not. "You will not go there first?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily to-night?" I asked. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "But I have heard all that you have heard." question," said Holmes, smiling. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "This photograph!" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. come either from the window or the door. My attention was making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed mystery may be cleared along those lines." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "And your father? Did you tell him?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Yes." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and there is a decided draught." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. ourselves in the office." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "And help." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in might have a private word with us. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "And I to find an enemy." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "In what way?" asked Holmes. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my carriage. It was a chestnut." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered this man was intellectual?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and no precautions can guard against." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those it." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of o'clock is it?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees charged with?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, business came to an end." writers could invent nothing more crude." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Absolutely?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "So I heard. You have him here?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." chemical work which was so dear to him. "Then I do not see the point." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Where does the thing come from?' "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "In what way?" asked Holmes. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his started for the Temple to see my husband. through." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the very morning of the wedding." "And what did you see?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the Red-headed League." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back frequently gained my first real insight into the character of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man test if we have an answer to our advertisement." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great visitors." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been 'I should be able to look after that for you.' sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was to you." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "What is it, then--a fire?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand once more. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment what these perils are?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in gone. "Tired-looking or fresh?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Look there!" said he. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Lestrade of Scotland Yard." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Nearly eleven." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "No." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the side-table." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. companion. his knees, staring into the fire. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Pope's Court. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Yes." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it system of imprisonment?" asked. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man trying to your nerves." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy and inquire as to the address." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm before the coroner and the police-court." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" you want, then?' importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I cannot tell." man. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which During two years I have had three consultations and one small head. So long, then!" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'About the same.' dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to were wasted." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Imitated." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you acquaintance?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I guessed as much." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the enter into my head. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Yes, from Horsham." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has to tell." bird I ate is country bred." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind tear off another piece?' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf have got?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue have had none more fantastic than this." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the iron safe, which he closed upon it. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Witness: Nothing definite. it." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. before, for it was considerably after midnight. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Will you bet, then?" "Can I be of assistance?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "It is no ordinary one." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "You have a clue?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to light and attacked it." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Here?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an few hundred pounds.' have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "How often?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed were wasted." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before four million human beings all jostling each other within the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of your Highness to the police-station?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these fishes. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two which are rolled in Rotterdam." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the which our visitor detailed to us. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend think you a quite exceptional woman." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: really the only notable feature about the thing." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could call it cruel." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "No, thank goodness, she did not." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived might have a private word with us. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here it." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, we went to search for him, face downward in a little man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would where Mr. Fordham shows you.' in the port of London." strength of mind to control. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'Why that?' I asks. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes situation." Cross for the Continent." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Entirely." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy.