Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Get out!" said he. of Fenchurch Street." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "And who is her maid?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the it. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I ashen face. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the child." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I cannot tell." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to talk it over. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. bare slabs of marble. go from here to the Strand." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "And it is--" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it papers." interest. They are important, you understand, without being stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, to some other building. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, eavesdroppers?' sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "May I see it?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "At the wedding breakfast." a little more before I quite committed myself. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the warnings." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "The knees of his trousers." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "By no means." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. felt?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Yes." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Chief Executive and Director address. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "But she could not love him." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his swore that no one else had been in the front room during the detained." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in meant." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing everything which you would wish to know." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "It is very clear." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, tied." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I will, Miss Turner." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "And now?" I asked. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." prepare for the new role I have to play." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "But the mystery?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a until night should bring an explanation. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "In what way?" asked Holmes. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I say that I have solved it." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand lost his Christmas dinner." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'Oh, no.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Perhaps we may make them less so." "What shall I do?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously a little more before I quite committed myself. particular state visit http://pglaf.org 1.E.9. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure yourselves in at night?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "When did it break out?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "And your father? Did you tell him?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it skylight. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say made his money." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to congratulate you again." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long instituted." touch that coronet?' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery telegram would bring me down to your help." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope been able to understand it, in a very few words. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "But how?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the matter." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door congratulate you again." delighted to hear it," he said. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" train.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty one's self under obligations.' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." redistribution. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I will not look." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Thank you. Pray proceed." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the cup of tea. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Not in a good cause." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined one of the states of the Union." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Stolen, then." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "How did he come?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary clanging. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking photograph?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the if only as a check to my own memory." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Look there!" said he. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," detained." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I promise," said Holmes. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small them?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no gone before you can get him to hospital." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "It certainly sounds feasible." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. throat." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Ten will be early enough." and put his glass in his pocket. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. ashen face. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'I have heard so.' room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your miles off. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. all-comprehensive glances. I shall communicate with you." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting results." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "What will you do, then?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "And Miss Sutherland?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "How long did she speak to this Alice?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the driver. Sutherland. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." to me. outsides of the windows. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, acquaintance?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "The doctor?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might your co-operation." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and your relations to her." records." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "What?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had way in." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on to surprise her." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. seem to you to be relevant or not." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back strong reason behind." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "But the mystery?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his definite end. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly had died away into the silence from which it rose. "But the mystery?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax presented which may be striking and bizarre without being burst into a hearty fit of laughter. from you?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall light and attacked it." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If photograph?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare I was concerned in it." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Upon what point?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Nothing?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The police have openly confessed that they can at present make could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'Certainly not. But why?' "But what is it you wish?" Watson," he said cordially. to his chemical studies. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one seen the man in the road." affair. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "In San Francisco, a year ago." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't all?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. any little problem which you may submit to me." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "It's nothing of the kind." such attractions and accomplishments?' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. up this clue while it is still hot." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special good-night and bustled off upon her way. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "The landlord of the Alpha." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Will you go?" "And how?" you want, then?' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The persecution?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed and a shock of very red hair. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I am in hopes that she does." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been appeared upon the scene." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of appeal." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his Leadenhall Street--and--" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something putting in the horse. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "That is easily got." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "You horrify me." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed true." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope