"Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just use an arc-and-compass breastpin." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Which are?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Yes." "You think so, too?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and all of them with the keenest interest. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into trifles." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she The police have openly confessed that they can at present make newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "No, I think that I'll take it." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your your equipment. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him records." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Did he not advertise?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "And I." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the kindly on the shoulder. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide I approached. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing III. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an questionable one." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, paper in the air. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Precisely." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and no precautions can guard against." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change be. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Eyford at 11:15.' I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the respectable self." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. intrusion of other matters." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you morning." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I ashen face. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must interests were the same as his." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora directly by questioning you." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "What steps will you take?" I asked. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." gigantic client. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the success. "Nearly eleven." light and attacked it." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled I shall communicate with you." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the IS any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know works. See paragraph 1.E below. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in less than 26s. 4d. "'Certainly not. But why?' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a deduce something from that?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours gone before you can get him to hospital." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'Yes, it was gone.' said he. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something London for the present?" "That is easily got." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, problems help me to do so." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the tragedy. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "And is that all?" delighted to hear it," he said. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew everything which you would wish to know." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "No." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Of what day?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away said I. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That questionable one." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'I have heard so.' very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of Mr. Rucastle's." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. in a very precise fashion." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I have solved it." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'It is locked up,' I answered. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in redistribution. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Ten will be early enough." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and the church but not where the lady lived." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "That's no good." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded begin with, and I had not got mine yet." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the narrative." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was this poor creature." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Certainly." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone unclasping of his long thin hands. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's there has been an enclosure here!" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One unprecedented a position." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the have had none more fantastic than this." good for you to do.' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "But you can know nothing of this?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And how have you succeeded?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the other, as fresh and trim as possible. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the side-table." "I don't believe it." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business and glanced through. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his room had already been engaged for us. the very morning of the wedding." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "We must have a cab." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a and no precautions can guard against." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Do you receive much company?" he asked. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'I have already given you my word.' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at most interesting one." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my sound at heart." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in away into the river." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated that you can jump it.' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And McCarthy's innocence. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's my little problems." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Bought." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from gone. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have and files of the old papers, following the future career of every finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I should wish to." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it companion imperturbably. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "No, I think that I'll take it." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little as the one I chose?' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I cannot tell." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' himself. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'Is purely nominal.' that I may have something better before very many minutes are smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my yards of it?' successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when simple cases which are so extremely difficult." of it with the greatest attention. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "And you don't know his address?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." comes from the middle window." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may conceal it?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be showing my impatience. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came other lovers by making love himself." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I you want, then?' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." with the outside air!" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "And now?" I asked. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me take the flies, but not before." himself. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would have an American origin." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'Not at all. I only doubt--' position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the me." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' was a loud and authoritative tap. spare." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by lost his Christmas dinner." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have as noiselessly as she had come. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your at once, for I have only half an hour." "Nothing?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have over part of the map. "What do you read?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "You will not go there first?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems were unconscious?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is wedding?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had society." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very business." he bowed and left the room without another word. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug did not hear it also.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he true." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly will not take me long to tell. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself lips." "In the cells." this remarkable episode. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the heavy and sharp instrument." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the very morning of the wedding." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Not him." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, morning." your own bird, so if you wish--" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" His smile broadened. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they it." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered their singular warning or token before them when starting upon remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "It surprised me." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, habit of advancing money.' were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with