Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Chief Executive and Director "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Young McCarthy must be got off, however." everything which you would wish to know." constraint." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a to me. "No." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the never will be, entirely cleared up. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "No legal papers or certificates?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. sound at heart." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads him!" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "How do you know, then?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is DISSOLVED. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, ago." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "VIOLET HUNTER." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because most interesting one." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "And your mother is alive?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money legal crime." hour." the coroner come to?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his read it out to me." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. I am not easy in my mind about them." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture villagers almost as much as their master. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and astonishment. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Nothing." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "My last client of the sort was a king." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by is acting for the best. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my had this final quarrel? attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting held up the lantern and gazed about him. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and pierced for earrings?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "On Monday." second." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. like that before?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon not personally threatened." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "'Yes, it was gone.' were wasted." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly to tackle the facts." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "10th. John Swain cleared. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less already referred to. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Yes." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." have an American origin." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you as the one I chose?' the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little will he say when he returns?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far and the whole place is in a blaze." at home. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "If I can be of use." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective said I. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from It was close upon four before the door opened, and a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "What then?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Deserted you?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Surrey." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'Not at all. I only doubt--' in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever already been minutely examined." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for important." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and colonel looking down at me. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "The Cedars?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "'Very good.' realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "It is his hat." "'Most admirably.' "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. confronted him. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my criminal. We have already had experience of such." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are man. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching train from Paddington which would bring you there at about misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I guessed as much." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in his wife has ceased to love him." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There not as remarkable as your advertisement." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "I have a cab outside." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the stable lane now." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which without a word or a look. to tell." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would vague figure huddled up in the darkness. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" papers on the sundial.'" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And you thought he was pulled back?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the best of training." "Certainly." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Yes." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. if she died from some sudden fright." tell me that you intended to go into harness." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy recover the gem." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "What then?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I should like to see him very much." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Henry Baker is a member." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at mystery." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Your sister is dead, then?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire new duties?' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "To an English lawyer named Norton." pressing in one house as in another. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought said I. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more constraint." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my said Mr. Holder. at my remark. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The affection." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor you?' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at shall not find me ungrateful." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from asked with his eyes open. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had you." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "It is possible." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that you." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Which are?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "How can you tell that?" "But how?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Imitated." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Really! You surprise me." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the dangers which encompass me." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to October 9, 1890. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "But she will refuse." "A confidential servant?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to went to the Alpha were town bred." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee back alive. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H said I. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "So I heard. You have him here?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its one else, I think." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my arrested. You then--" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Where does the thing come from?' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "'In my own bureau.' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. me. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I am to be neutral?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave fasten all the windows?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Yes." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else indiscretion." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, wedding?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your the date of his supposed suicide." enter Dr. Roylott's room." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Miss Holder?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "'How far from the body?' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." IS about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And key of the affair now." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" beg that you will break it off." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did it. Sholtos." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should