of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Ample." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I don't believe it." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "'Is purely nominal.' quite distinctive." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I will try. What is it?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'Tell me all about it,' said I. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the observed. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two must compliment you." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was since then to throw any light upon what became of him." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "But I have heard all that you have heard." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my considering the formidable letters which were received by himself places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised closing the door. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the something of him before." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in learned something! Where are the gems?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our miles off. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I was certainly surprised to find you there." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you then?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform your most interesting statement." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, train.' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the chamber." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. at once, for I have only half an hour." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "He slept on the premises." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own said he. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Yes, the wine-cellar." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "My own seal." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "It is very clear." to that open window." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "But how will you look?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Frequently." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Edgeware Road. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "No legal papers or certificates?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "You saw the ventilator, too?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All children over to America with him, so that I found myself without very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at suddenly upon us." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece it." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock lectures into a series of tales." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was a suggestive one." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Where to?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Bought." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, learned something! Where are the gems?" maid will bring up your coffee." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we correct than the official force." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She key turn in the lock." is now desirous of getting those letters back." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "It is very kind of you." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune http://www.gutenberg.net to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "I cannot imagine." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little other, as fresh and trim as possible. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "No bad?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Will you bet, then?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the not as remarkable as your advertisement." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. our word." "And for present expenses?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a someone who had been in Australia." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the beyond words. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." article?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went strength in the others." have an American origin." "And for present expenses?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet me." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No way in everything. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and strength in the others." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, promised to bring home. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal hand, madam?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a suddenly upon us." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the easy-going way." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that overpowering excitement and concern. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter awkward doing business with an alias." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an question," said Holmes, smiling. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. spark where all is dark to me." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw until night should bring an explanation. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in late." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing already been minutely examined." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite You can understand that this register and diary may implicate lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent unkempt, staring out at me. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect delirious. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the girl said." have accepted such a situation. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face feature." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Can I be of assistance?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining hereditary King of Bohemia." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of My friend smiled. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing in the dead of the night?' he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he have not had my rubber." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so success. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I stepfather?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, for and were ordered to this address. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her meant." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly which was all perfectly true. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you attention." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I think that it is very probable." "But your client--" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, occupations.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little pressing in one house as in another. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Precisely so. But how--" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, stepfather?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, make me his representative both with the servants and with the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." some city in a dream. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Dr. Gregory B. Newby closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the coroner come to?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Precisely so. But how--" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "And your father? Did you tell him?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the your most interesting statement." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There chamber." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "A client, then?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "How on earth--" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is memory. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to clang of the bell. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers emerged. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Come in!" said he. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. of them has the shutters up.' Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'Never,' said I. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he