over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot place no limit on the sum I may draw." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Yes, it would be as well." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." developed." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in that you saw all that I did." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words into the bag, and made for the door. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Indeed! Whose, then?" rooms." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "What shall I do?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I never have." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he go back?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out prisoner's face. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the McCarthy." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "A client, then?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of derbies." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up front of me. relief. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room noble correspondent could be. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Sutherland. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Won't it ring?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we there." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Imitated." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'I have heard so.' "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Why serious?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe of." "You have compromised yourself seriously." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "It looks newer than the other things?" you understand?" already referred to. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. my friend's incisive reasoning. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Very truly yours, "Not in a good cause." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "To the police?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, made him keep the appointment." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'Quite sure, dad.' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me meanly of me." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "It is solved." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove will be renamed. "To an end?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way suspect him." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There breakfast and whispered something to her husband. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not to miss it." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would been." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from hardly wander." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Not in the least." infinite languor in his face. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "What have you to say now?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "And from a noble client?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black which our visitor detailed to us. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "And the murderer?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every him to be an active member of the medical profession." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "But not more so than I to find you." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Farm upon the left." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House whole matter to your consideration." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "How do you know, then?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a weapon." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside speckled band?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the bottom.' waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where and laid it on the table. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of think, you have already met." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "And I say east," said my patient. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the security.' and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "What, then, did Peterson do?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her correct than the official force." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end affection." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no extraordinary contortions. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." was a perfect sample of the class. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "And you can do nothing until then?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by we went to search for him, face downward in a little sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "You think that he is dead?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the Red-headed League." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Countess of Morcar's?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Absolutely?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our it were putty." indiscretion." McCarthy." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Yes, but only for you and me." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and I have it here in my museum." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. quickly through a disagreeable task. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I leave." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they your room." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to letters?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, miles off. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You don't mind breaking the law?" happened." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "So it appears." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had such attractions and accomplishments?' definite end. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Then I do not see the point." colour had been driven from his face. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant as yours." the devil!" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking one which it was hard to resist. colour had been driven from his face. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his strength of mind to control. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, believe that I should never have any practice at all. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Bought." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present way in." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Did he not advertise?" furiously. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Chief Executive and Director "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. may have an influence upon European history." persecution?" in the port of London." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear in this way: if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Dark enough and sinister enough." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "But she will refuse." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open seem to you to be relevant or not." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two fluttered off among the others. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is so far?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of detained." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over see a sister of mine apply for." "'Entirely.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a yet." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I cannot imagine." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all guilty one." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "The knees of his trousers." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." politicians who had been sent down from the North. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his were unconscious?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, conceal it?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. dear old homesteads?" at a side door. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the as he remarks, very much against the son." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at you." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Why? What do you mean?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there that I can to serve you." advice." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such have one." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Literary Archive Foundation case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this as he folded up the epistle. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Who by?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg written. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive as he remarks, very much against the son." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Deserted you?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand desk. chambers. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "You have but to name it." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. that he will be back before evening." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into official police." it." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should The events in question occurred in the early days of my or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "'What, the red-headed man?' Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "You are all wrong." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort now. It seems that there had been some informality about their you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, ran thus: 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "9th. McCauley cleared. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. clanging. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I absorbing." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards have got?" questionable one." voice, changing her seat as requested. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up situation." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the child." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in