rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method The note was undated, and without either signature or address. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." reach." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a throat." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I clanging. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "But what will you do?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that you." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the said he at last. "He is dead," cried several voices. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I sparkled upon his finger. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the been able to understand it, in a very few words. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, approach us with offers to donate. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Yes." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the driver. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "And why in hopes?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "It was." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do colour had been driven from his face. details." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all letters?" "And that is--" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "But the mystery?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "How often?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. forbidden door. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the disturbance in my wife." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds chair. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. business matters.' "About a month then." of his shoulders. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: been deceived." "Precisely." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey are windows in it, of course?" late!' himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "It was." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private fluttered off among the others. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight know all about it," he snarled. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of definite end. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it not, dad?" she asked. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "You will not go there first?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, habit of advancing money.' shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. persecution?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "What shall I do?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Never." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I opened the door, and slipped through. third from London." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning dead, shall be safe with us." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the she to prove their authenticity?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Certainly." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "My stepfather's business papers." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled child?' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "That also I could fathom." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'And what salary do you ask?' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder obstinate." business at Coburg Square is serious." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "And how did he make his money?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Where is it, then?" "Did you observe the colour?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and recover the gem." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Well?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "But how did you gain them?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders who was a member of your goose club." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "And who is her maid?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. business came to an end." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the with the outside air!" http://www.gutenberg.net beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. and laid it on the table. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried I was concerned in it." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Perfectly so." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm his forehead." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." 1.F. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of entirely devoid of interest." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off said he. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "But you would not advise me to refuse?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to in my life." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Married! When?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I have hopes." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily extraordinary contortions. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where prepare for the new role I have to play." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I say that I have solved it." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, have established a very serious case against the son of the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year direction." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire morning." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the to miss it." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "To ruin me." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "What! You do not mean bodies?" "I am still in the dark." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee points to suicide?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. through." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let just ask you whether you had heard it.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "On Monday." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and I held the little printed slip to the light. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than bachelor.' should be so warm over such a trifle." forebodings. "I think it very unlikely." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the back alive. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I guessed as much." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Doctor, of the paper and the date." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. I shall communicate with you." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing been." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite and it need not interfere very much with one's other reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' purpose equally well?" brain must have something in it." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. important." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For presented more singular features than that which was associated one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in to go into your room and bar your shutters?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice During two years I have had three consultations and one small gone. "Yes, all." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to my former friend and companion. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Why serious?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the armchair which I pushed forward for him. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice me, and I could not think that his explanation of the business at Coburg Square is serious." see me here to avoid scandal." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Yes." which we had just quitted. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. breakfast?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "But of what society?" compunction about shooting them down." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only becomes even more simple." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'Not at all. I only doubt--' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. served to weaken the effect. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is business?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as