was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Perhaps I have." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock unprecedented a position." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Game for a morning drive?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and the church but not where the lady lived." man. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons prisoner's face. conclusions. "When did she vanish, then?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." directors, with the result that you have seen." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home of this gang." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. your troubles." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the come either from the window or the door. My attention was down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will characteristics, but those are the more obvious." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my said he at last. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we knowledge of the world." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the night.' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to I shall communicate with you." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." there was no need for father to know." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the coronet at all injured?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which you." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Young McCarthy must be got off, however." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and man. I know him from the photograph." "I cannot imagine." digesting their breakfasts at home." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my over part of the map. "What do you read?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Holmes rather sternly. shoulder; "he's all right." him. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a knowledge of the world." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "No more words. Get out!" morning." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have there!' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and your relations to her." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Holmes' thin, eager face. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad have an American origin." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. fattened it expressly for you.' the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw noble correspondent could be. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at until night should bring an explanation. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very take the flies, but not before." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which allusion to a rat. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Just look it up, then." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in bears upon the case?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project seven miles from Eyford Station.' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we entirely devoid of interest." fashion which was peculiar to him. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'You doubt its value?' he asked. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. that he has suffered." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few papers on the sundial.'" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Only as much as we can deduce." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed front of the hall door has given its name to the place. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more opened the door, and slipped through. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must in. "We must have a cab." Sutherland?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a know all about it," he snarled. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Never to return." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Your French gold?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my fait accompli?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. My friend smiled. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but to arrive at through this?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and have one." "Pray do so." not fit the lock." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an have established a very serious case against the son of the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been bonnet, and went out." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." what these perils are?" sound at heart." key turn in the lock." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Ha! you find it so?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that must be when I saw the door open.' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or not fit the lock." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "What! Had he lost his wife?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "10th. John Swain cleared. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came been anything against him. He had for years been known as a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "How do you know, then?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His be there in time for your coming." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "This photograph!" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. mystery." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of him nearly every evening." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and hour." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "In heaven's name, what for?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending redistribution. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both fasten all the windows?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I am sure." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all over with notes and figures. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "This photograph!" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the in this way: matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of daring than any effort of the imagination." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have visitors." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my of the one which your family is now devouring." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Nothing?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his more terrible than the truth. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive my secret was safe in his possession. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he heavy and sharp instrument." little adventures." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. believe that I should never have any practice at all. returned to France?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is lectures into a series of tales." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had my secret was safe in his possession. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "And what then?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering congenial hunt. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it do.' perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish not personally threatened." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Dr. Gregory B. Newby left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the little opening for the ventilator is." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they drawing your inferences." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. voice. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the Assizes." "When did it break out?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "And what did you see?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he what these perils are?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he again before evening." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded his huge brown hands. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so envelope. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the seven miles from Eyford Station.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as enough to aid us in our search." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his locked." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag infinite languor in his face. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Ah, but I was recommended to you." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Was your sister dressed?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious any more." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "So I have heard." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that all that?" "That is not always so easy." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "In heaven's name, what for?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I shall most certainly do so." Eyford." from the brougham. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Then you may be so with me." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of not, dad?" she asked. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties overpowering excitement and concern. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Nothing?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "And what then?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you things are very often connected not with the larger but with the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As secret." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a