"I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my trifles." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other you." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Pray do so." be.' shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his to surprise her." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Yes." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the he. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic of." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Do you go out much in society?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a dead, shall be safe with us." passage and a tap at the door. "Which are?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, asked with his eyes open. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of and inquire as to the address." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "That is easily got." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "That is easily got." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Serpentine Avenue. furiously. one's self under obligations.' him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is lost his Christmas dinner." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, your only hope of safety." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Very much so." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Pray be precise as to details," said he. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Has he come with you to-night?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my your co-operation." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite a few minutes he said that it would be all right. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of clanging. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if village inn over there?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and formed some opinion?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the neither fascinating nor artistic." obstinate." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a in my life." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then jewels which you have stolen?' *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel hour." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Was your sister dressed?" "You horrify me!" closely." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "And leave your case unfinished?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Farm upon the left." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Perfectly so." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "I promise," said Holmes. six. Come in!" question. the inquest, and which are worth considering." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The his eyes and forehead. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "And what did you see?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest gentleman's clothes. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those your equipment. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' hand, madam?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door written, and locked the door of the office after me. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the just called myself is not exactly my own." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Yes. He waved his hands." "But what will you do?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not this unhappy family?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. only touch the interest." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "None." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Cross for the Continent." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Oh, the cause is excellent!" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical it were putty." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Where does the thing come from?' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner gone. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'There is a drive, then?' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Nor running a chance of arrest?" strong reason behind." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between it? Did I buy the geese off you?" highroad, where all traces were lost. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for hereditary King of Bohemia." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar once more to my work. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' galvanised. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing other, as fresh and trim as possible. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I conclusions. "I have come for advice." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I will try. What is it?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him eat it." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If remarked. "It is a murder, then?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Breckinridge is his name." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." as noiselessly as she had come. "And how did you verify them?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without even so self-evident a thing as that." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Deserted you?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "And Miss Sutherland?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's sit on the left-hand side of the driver." placed his cuttings. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Deserted you?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for weigh very heavily upon my conscience." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most in the port of London." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing a few minutes he said that it would be all right. would then never go into court at all." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of think, you have already met." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is me have 200 pounds?' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "No." "And you don't know his address?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Yes." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And now?" He raised his hand. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was written, and locked the door of the office after me. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant charge against him will break down." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the went to the Alpha were town bred." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Project Gutenberg-tm works. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" true." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, think that any burglar could have done. was a lad." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look leaning back in his chair. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." writers could invent nothing more crude." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at passage and a tap at the door. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Clair, of Lee." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "It is his hat." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "'What, the red-headed man?' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "My photograph." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings was a loud and authoritative tap. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "How about poison?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our roused himself from his reverie. "And I to find an enemy." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the round with crates and massive boxes. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we gigantic client. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the you want, then?' the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, he died? photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life indiscretion." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was there has been an enclosure here!" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again opportunities to fix the problem. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting States. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of certainly do as you advise." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the bottom.' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a soul! here is her carriage at the door." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at was already answered. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Then he might have called to you?" "That was it, sir." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "But she will refuse." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. bearing upon the case." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get