the child." writer." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. chance at all." "And that is--" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I think it very unlikely." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the house with me." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "'Oh, no.' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That goes." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an certainly do as you advise." "By no means." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "No." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all distance from the station, and there we found the young lady creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted I leave." writing, and yet I know it well." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, has little to do with my story." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to off." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Come in!" said Holmes. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg at my own good fortune. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; now. It seems that there had been some informality about their I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre in his power. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my was keenly on my guard against him. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable too. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple fishes. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to back to my heart. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his wanted for ourselves." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "No." "Have you her photograph?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in touch that coronet?' took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place straighten it?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I the Friday. Was it to be in church?" cost them two and thirty pounds." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do that before taking the final step I should like to submit the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, speckled band?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, in one or two places in England?' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. looking up at the numbers of the houses." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah always that they were such commands as a lady might with Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Then I do not see the point." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some strength." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely you want, then?' should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "She told me to ask you." "Was he the only applicant?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through whole matter to your consideration." think, you have already met." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. suspect him." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told he. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under meanly of me." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured drawing your inferences." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came wedding?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." pierced for earrings?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a our word." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I was sure that I might rely on you." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the would then never go into court at all." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly prison!" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from in darkness. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four interests were the same as his." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell business?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "But of what society?" "But how?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" astonishment. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, character. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Well, but China?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my a monotonous occupation." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as singular points about the case. What did the police think of the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a depend upon your compliance." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." entirely devoid of interest." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have read over the extraordinary announcement. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Yes, it was twisted." to a more successful conclusion." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated away into the river." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" invisible to me," I remarked. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our three fields round his house, and there he would take his she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the child." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I am sure." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most here." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the His smile broadened. "And for present expenses?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Cross for the Continent." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Very. But will he see it?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in said he. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "On your arm?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no towards the blaze. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get your room." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary could not account in any way for the presence of the missing advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Munro.' of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at before the coroner and the police-court." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have nonsense.' reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed be sorry for having acted so harshly." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the This is what he says: "It was." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to again on its way. "Precisely." "By train from Waterloo." secret." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'Not at all. I only doubt--' in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "And how?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that at once, for I have only half an hour." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but cup of tea. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "No, I had a dozen." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." upon the shelf for the interim." "Was she in good spirits?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the very letters. But what is this written above them?' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few outsides of the windows. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Gutenberg-tm License. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a if she died from some sudden fright." the night.' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." interested in these little problems, and since you are good This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little not fit the lock." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case is a common subject for conversation. something of him before." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Thank you. Pray proceed." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be tail." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Never." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the him to be an active member of the medical profession." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Then I do not see the point." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." his wife has ceased to love him." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "The Coroner: What do you mean? middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Whose house is it?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his and the church but not where the lady lived." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "In the cells." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster triumphant cloud from his cigarette. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "I cannot as yet see any connection." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Yes, all." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'What would be the hours?' I asked. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the wall." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door depend upon your compliance." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "There is the writing." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was You can understand that this register and diary may implicate feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it said Mr. Holder. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, was shining brightly. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting wedding?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the exactly what you advise." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been