when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Breckinridge is his name." Leadenhall Street--and--" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little became a certainty. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was served to weaken the effect. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you father's young wife. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I beg pardon." closing the door. is now desirous of getting those letters back." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "None." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this best detective that ever lived. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "It missed him, then?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I it means?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the later, upon the night of May 2nd." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I see many objections to any such theory." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "You horrify me!" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "What then?" "Did your wife hear all this?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his to surprise her." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his next day. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Precisely." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and distance from the station, and there we found the young lady own family. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that security.' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the His smile broadened. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe II. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the presume?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very was not a bird to be seen there. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Did you observe the colour?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Come in!" said Holmes. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of hand, madam?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, hand, madam?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. get her out of the way." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Why did you pick him?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his you." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the opportunities to fix the problem. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Married! When?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a excitement. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in she to prove their authenticity?" this poor creature." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in my room." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a may have an influence upon European history." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" I was concerned in it." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room pierced for earrings?" happened." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Very. But will he see it?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do anything to do with the matter?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "'Is 4 pounds a week.' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Watson," he said cordially. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to with some details as to your case." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "None." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I a room. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it mystery!" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to rose-bushes. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill your bag." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. call the police, let the police find what they can.' wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been as the one I chose?' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The and it need not interfere very much with one's other applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "What! a murderous attack?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your as noiselessly as she had come. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Where, indeed?" at my remark. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'Yes, sir.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Was there a secret marriage?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Where to?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "No." flock.' so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "And is that all?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a have established a very serious case against the son of the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too infinite languor in his face. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax drove away. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect or other trace. But how on earth--" spare." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from his grey eyes. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "It goes to the housekeeper's room." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we congratulate you again." all that?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Thank you. Pray proceed." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up prepare for the new role I have to play." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Entirely." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though business?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "I shall most certainly do so." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying waste of energy." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried washing it down with a long draught of water. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Well, it is a possible supposition." Foundation already referred to. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous never came back." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. your co-operation." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." of them has the shutters up.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with more solid." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for he. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and wait." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with manager. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "But what will you do?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their father's young wife. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client McCarthy." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely business in the City. She little knew what. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." very morning of my second wedding." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "If I can be of use." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "In the cells." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "None." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than best detective that ever lived. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. thought that she would have been so carried away." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Frequently." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them was lame." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Do you go out much in society?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Were they all fastened this morning?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us roused himself from his reverie. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a directly by questioning you." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a cup of tea. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Yes, that is the Crown." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to delirious. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of man. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies she used." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, what these perils are?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Then I shall certainly come." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "I have my revolver," said I. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the foresight and the moral retrogression?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. kind enough to tell me what I should do." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little locked. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. indeed happy." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "When did it break out?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "What will you do, then?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned II.