into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Then you may entirely rely on me." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after notes," he said. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her matter over." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from strode off upon his way. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those his huge brown hands. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Then I am your man." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I cannot imagine." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in minor matters until to-morrow." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the we went to search for him, face downward in a little very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself but preventing her from injuring another. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one a very grave face. "I would pay ten." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Not social, then?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Then I am your man." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Yes, it was twisted." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Pool. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "None." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by leaning back in his chair. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It call for it in person on Monday morning.' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I cannot say that I have." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "How about poison?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Serpentine Avenue. to have been novel and of interest." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had and all of them with the keenest interest. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "He disappeared so suddenly." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my of his shoulders. "You will not go there first?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the as he remarks, very much against the son." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. true." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "And what then?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little open." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point tapping his fingers upon the table. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, that you saw all that I did." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Why, it's a dummy," said he. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, get the tickets." "One of the highest in England." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do me. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of one which it was hard to resist. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came that you wished to speak to me?' Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as persecution?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. salesman. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." felt?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "So it appears." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Have you good authority for what you say?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the Friday. Was it to be in church?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated hereditary King of Bohemia." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to was once confined in the cab my mission was practically laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates The note was undated, and without either signature or address. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. sound at heart." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug my former friend and companion. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "He slept on the premises." lumber-room." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said rat could hardly pass through." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, house for five minutes.' About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "My own seal." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he I leave." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the mysterious end." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the was a lad." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Why that?' I asks. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: ashen face. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot opened a pocket-book and took out a note. question," said Holmes, smiling. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was my friend's incisive reasoning. whole matter to your consideration." "What, then, did Peterson do?" and laid it on the table. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with appeal." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security John Swain, of St. Augustine. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of more solid." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. never to learn it at all." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere important." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's legal crime." "Her father is very rich?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My from the brougham. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "And help." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a directly by questioning you." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down McCarthy." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front call the police, let the police find what they can.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's pierced for earrings?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Your French gold?" outside." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." London for the present?" bedroom door." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Ha! you find it so?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "You are all wrong." standing smiling on the door-step. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or here." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "BALLARAT." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the back to my heart. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I leave." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I was sure that I might rely on you." 11:15.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have when your master had gone out." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about you do it in twenty minutes!' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it meanly of me." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that at a side door. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if hands. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "And I." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'It is locked up,' I answered. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you narrative." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." my little problems." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "What! a murderous attack?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel that there was nothing in it, after all." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I am still in the dark." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Where does the thing come from?' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is future lives." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. your most interesting statement." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all meant it for the best. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Leadenhall Street--and--" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Thank you. Pray proceed." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was them, and came down just as you departed. crackling voice. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' girl said." think that any burglar could have done. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no very morning of my second wedding." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush back into the street. remarked. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I shall most certainly do so." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers their singular warning or token before them when starting upon for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to delighted to hear it," he said. room. "What steps will you take?" I asked. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and wait." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the house with me." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in if I call to-morrow?" back into the street. is four-and-twenty." said I. to tackle the facts." be.' you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. business matters.' Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. views." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed never to learn it at all." presented more singular features than that which was associated this Miss Turner." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Pray do so." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight lost his Christmas dinner." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and looked back. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a