"Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "None." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. could gather together that I was able to avert another public floor. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, eavesdroppers?' that you wished to speak to me?' bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "'Not at all. I only doubt--' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. whether it answered to the description of any of their starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in window when the police appeared." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she someone who had been in Australia." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Yes, it was twisted." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "From his hat?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Then how many are there?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as strength in the others." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other have had none more fantastic than this." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. tail." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'Ample.' the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "No legal papers or certificates?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "It was a confession," I ejaculated. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his new duties?' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "She told me to ask you." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Street. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though tell him that I know him to be innocent." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for lids now and glanced across at his visitor. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring know that the truth is known." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Well, it is a possible supposition." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the newspaper selections." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his there were so many in the whole country as were brought together you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I cannot think." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her fled together." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Then he might have called to you?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you mystery!" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only carriage. It was a chestnut." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house I shall continue with my miserable story. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "And for present expenses?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the ceiling. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a bled considerably." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, directly by questioning you." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Has he come with you to-night?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Why? What do you mean?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly shall use the carriage to-night." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the for the market.' unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want o'clock is it?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Not social, then?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of affection." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." of the way of danger. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would congenial hunt. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting digesting their breakfasts at home." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the It may be so in this case, also." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting bed dies. Does not that strike you?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were suddenly upon us." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in voice, changing her seat as requested. pictures, libraries, or plate. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" like gravel from a pit.' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" assist you in forming an opinion." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and then?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Serpentine Avenue. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest his knees, staring into the fire. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, been able to understand it, in a very few words. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And why?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he married her." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of goes." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the once more to my work. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of them?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Game for a morning drive?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and I shall be with you presently." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon detained." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "By no means." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry name is different." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "But it has twice been burgled." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution it." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "He slept on the premises." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the iron safe, which he closed upon it. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are DAMAGE. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime arrested. You then--" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the matter." to tackle the facts." "I am to be neutral?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for strength in the others." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in which we had just quitted. has little to do with my story." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the tied." in the port of London." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting photograph?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the train.' beyond words. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal morning." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by shoulder; "he's all right." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently entirely devoid of interest." "To an English lawyer named Norton." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the detained." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "But the mystery?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe been deceived." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I amused." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that than to us. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not without success. At last the little money which I had saved began cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar empty. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? http://www.gutenberg.net unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The eat it." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "How did you deduce the select?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Then I am your man." "Did you observe the colour?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "That is not always so easy." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "The murder was done with it." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact that you wished to speak to me?' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you cigars in their mouths. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between soul! here is her carriage at the door." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the wife's character?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience next day. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the upon an income of about 60 pounds." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "A call for help, you thought?" "I think it very unlikely." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend disturbance in my wife." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two direction." "But she will refuse." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Come in!" said Holmes. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Miss Holder?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "'And the work?' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City come either from the window or the door. My attention was singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing in this way: do.' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came lost his Christmas dinner." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Is 4 pounds a week.' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY enter Dr. Roylott's room." "And how?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the child." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no compunction about shooting them down." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance,