certainly not very gracious." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway some water from a caraffe. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted directors, with the result that you have seen." as he remarks, very much against the son." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had that?' and laid it on the table. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw delirious. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." lumber-room." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "We have tried and failed." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "He might." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That hour?' He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and if she died from some sudden fright." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned think that any burglar could have done. round and wave him away like that.' pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of awaited us upon the table. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "On the contrary, this is the right side." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "You will not go there first?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some London for the present?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "I cannot imagine." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Yes, at the mines." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught if only as a check to my own memory." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his himself to hunt down. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Then you may be so with me." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "'Is 4 pounds a week.' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over on in his house." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, this poor creature." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Yes." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'And the work?' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I am in hopes that she does." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a young Openshaw's." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It which should have the effect of calling the attention of the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. tapping his fingers upon the table. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "And what then?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "But we can't all be." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I will do it." views." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off prison!" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a relief. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to such person." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "'Yes.' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning evidence," I remarked. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." important." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? yards of it?' informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not You want to know what became of those geese?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "So I have heard." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended is acting for the best. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Yes." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There was lame." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very I nodded to show that I had heard. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "And who is her maid?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "'Yes, sir.' is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "When did it break out?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." obstinate." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this present." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary of them has the shutters up.' "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he threw himself down with his face to the pillow. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held least a fellow-countryman. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his hard-headed British jury." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I pictures, libraries, or plate. four million human beings all jostling each other within the and the church but not where the lady lived." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could absorbing." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The straighten it?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." once more to my work. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out people in all walks of life. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the this remarkable episode. were wasted." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "My last client of the sort was a king." way: during which he might have communicated with his friend the pictures, libraries, or plate. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "You don't mind breaking the law?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast instincts rose up against that laugh. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old hereditary King of Bohemia." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I promise," said Holmes. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure be there in time for your coming." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he nice household for a young lady." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence if I call to-morrow?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress me have 200 pounds?' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Just look it up, then." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "You are hungry," I remarked. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Perhaps I have." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" way: uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "And the murderer?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying maid will bring up your coffee." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. anything to do with the matter?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "There are none." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Why, what do you mean?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an yet." "Yes, I have one waiting." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, at home. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at ago." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "My dear Holmes!" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the opportunities to fix the problem. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "My stepfather's business papers." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Who by?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a disappearance of the bride.'" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "She showed me, as I told you she would." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and seven miles from Eyford Station.' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "In San Francisco, a year ago." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From outside. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. you." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its he. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "I should like to see him very much." "Yes." and wait." past. "Dark enough and sinister enough." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this call the police, let the police find what they can.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I criminal. We have already had experience of such." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "And that is--" to have that photograph." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Surrey." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be interested in these little problems, and since you are good "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss absorbing." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Yes, sir.' be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I am to be neutral?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the page at http://pglaf.org "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Countess of Morcar's?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "'I have already given you my word.' my friend's incisive reasoning. your sleep?' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, to me. nothing with him." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin touch that coronet?' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Yes, I have one waiting." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was You want to know what became of those geese?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his