he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You an introduction to him?" absorbing." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I am about to be married." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the running down." companion. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. lamp in his hand. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a said he, "my real name is James Ryder." felt?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "No, I had a dozen." "But who is he?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another to his chemical studies. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I think it very unlikely." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "By no means." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Two days later this same performance was gone through under heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project bedroom door." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "But how will you look?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to walking." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards a good hundred miles off by now." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions generous with you in money matters.' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I have seen the police." husband's writing, madam." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "No, distinctly professional." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," nights." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I call you and give you the chance." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what in a friendly supper." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands he bowed and left the room without another word. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Yes." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you fish-monger and a tide-waiter." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you is worth.' "We must sit without light. He would see it through the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Here?" to tackle the facts." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "No?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Look there!" said he. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Then he might have called to you?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I shall be delighted." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Yes, at the mines." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, where we are going." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, late!' used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the was shining brightly. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Absolutely?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who affection." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my anything to do with the matter?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the salesman. keep the flames under. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up bird of prey. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've in his power. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his during which he might have communicated with his friend the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the telegram would bring me down to your help." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything fish-monger and a tide-waiter." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes look upon these things in a different way." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I promise," said Holmes. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in and laid it on the table. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely enough to aid us in our search." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "And you thought he was pulled back?" for its centre. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend ashen face. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his one else, I think." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "But you would not advise me to refuse?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just prove to be little relation between the different incidents of call you and give you the chance." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you might help us?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of presented which may be striking and bizarre without being walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Very. But will he see it?" a little more before I quite committed myself. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "You have but to name it." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and thought that she would have been so carried away." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom brandy and water within his reach. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "There are none." "And from a noble client?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Holmes, the busybody!" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the coronet in his hand?" IS maiden herself was most instructive." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident again before evening." weary and pale-looking. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our helping a boy to put up the shutters. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "It is very clear." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Doctor, of the paper and the date." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding said I. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. paper in the air. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Project Gutenberg-tm works. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the bed, and you in that chair." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the looking up at the numbers of the houses." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your tension within him. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It before the coroner and the police-court." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you signal between you and your father? Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest second window is the one that I jumped from." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the ceiling. mysterious end." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, in a very precise fashion." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to you came in." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my entirely devoid of interest." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Can I be of assistance?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the would then never go into court at all." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It yet." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "From his hat?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Leadenhall Street--and--" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be families. Now for the facts. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He the ceiling. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief to change my dress. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been read over the extraordinary announcement. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "But how?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I came to find a friend." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did had this final quarrel? unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with public press." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the upon an income of about 60 pounds." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and giving me time to thank him. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Heh?' "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of of the way of danger. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you friends, not even his own brother. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, eavesdroppers?' the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, he died? and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Perhaps we may make them less so." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves father's place of business?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who with you alone." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, there in twenty minutes." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. floor. "It's nothing of the kind." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her is entirely a question of barometric pressure." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and it need not interfere very much with one's other "It looks newer than the other things?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent them?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" lamp in his hand. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition such person." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House The telegram which we eventually received came late one night wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Quite so." "I will try. What is it?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming unkempt, staring out at me. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; populous neighbourhood." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me in this note: off." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "No." for and were ordered to this address. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. father's young wife. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "How did you deduce the select?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "And Miss Sutherland?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "And your mother is alive?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "If so, much may have happened between." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was your Highness to the police-station?"