sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "The Cedars?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Holmes, the busybody!" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," was used.' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he taking in every detail of the apartment. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire retorted upon me, and I on you." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of strength of mind to control. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his page at http://pglaf.org "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope speckled band?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from in your London, you will know that the office of the company is ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining furiously. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. guilty one." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his before the coroner and the police-court." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no learned something! Where are the gems?" derbies." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "I should wish to." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was which our visitor detailed to us. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I I. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "How did you trace it, then?" and looked back. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "You think that he is dead?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and put his glass in his pocket. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is young Openshaw's." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'You doubt its value?' he asked. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias frequently gained my first real insight into the character of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there have I gained?" "Not in a good cause." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "'I am sure that I do not know.' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little residence of the great financier. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for memory. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as despaired of." telegram would bring me down to your help." that was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached there has been an enclosure here!" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "9th. McCauley cleared. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good she slowly sank and died without having recovered her is worth.' analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "He slept on the premises." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." heavily into it. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I was certainly surprised to find you there." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the was keenly on my guard against him. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but them, and came down just as you departed. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. as yours." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his existence." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally wedding?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "We were both in the photograph." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." II. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the indiscretion." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem The police have openly confessed that they can at present make from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "A call for help, you thought?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'Yes.' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of intimate personal affairs in this public manner." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It purpose of examination. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the may never be exposed to such a temptation." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at as noiselessly as she had come. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to one's self under obligations.' my special province." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "How often?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a highroad, where all traces were lost. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, careless servant girl?" one which it was hard to resist. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of I shall communicate with you." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "There are none." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, in his power. like gravel from a pit.' "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal comes from the middle window." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "9th. McCauley cleared. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' showing my impatience. himself. "But we can't all be." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp From what you have told me I think that it is possible that THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE our word." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled into the bag, and made for the door. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire whole matter to your consideration." "'There is a drive, then?' "What! a murderous attack?" "And you don't know his address?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "No, but the enclosure is." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Yes, the wine-cellar." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week there has been an enclosure here!" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than over his head with a sweet womanly caress. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Game for a morning drive?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such characteristics, but those are the more obvious." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in of campaign. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from License. You must require such a user to return or "An enemy?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for nice household for a young lady." depend upon my doing so.' who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "It goes to the housekeeper's room." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Proceed, then." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with it." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "He said too much." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "And you can do nothing until then?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who copied or distributed: perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he out of this horrible affair." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE stood on the top of it. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "It certainly sounds feasible." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers wife's character?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Imitated." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in if only as a check to my own memory." whereabouts. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "In which, sir?" to me. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Yes." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "How did that help you?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Really! You surprise me." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in excitement. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for you." "The doctor?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened through." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'Why that?' I asks. "How did you trace it, then?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a evidence," I remarked. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, of your young ladies.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though bird of prey. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are you understand?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "No, finished." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. points to suicide?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. in the port of London." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate delighted to hear it," he said. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered to you." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get redistribution. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'As governess?' "Could he throw no light?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. pictures, libraries, or plate. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark to take care of herself." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his prove to be little relation between the different incidents of parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a client, rising. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined a very grave face. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and guilty parties." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his noise which awoke you from your sleep?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the companion imperturbably. companion. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Have you good authority for what you say?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and rooms." to take care of herself." "Dr. Becher's." past. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for in your London, you will know that the office of the company is minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "An accident, I presume?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "In heaven's name, what for?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "What shall I do?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Yes." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "But your client--" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a said he. there." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and death." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "By all means." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with call for it in person on Monday morning.' newspaper selections." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case particular state visit http://pglaf.org