"'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would But Holmes shook his head gravely. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker speckled band?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." I have it here in my museum." hair?' we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is as noiselessly as she had come. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a meanly of me." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was not within a twentieth part of the market price." most interesting one." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'And what salary do you ask?' star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Which are?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to third from London." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'A dozen yards or so.' "It is very kind of you." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Bought." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent works. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I looking up at the numbers of the houses." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since woven round him. minor matters until to-morrow." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." in a friendly supper." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and confronted him. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot deduce something from that?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is this man was intellectual?" standing smiling on the door-step. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled prepare for the new role I have to play." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of cause to be." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "No sign of it?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply where we are going." "Well." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy of receipt of the work. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn to tell." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Clair, of Lee." late!' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple opportunities to fix the problem. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on he. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been that you can jump it.' had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." writers could invent nothing more crude." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to way in everything. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I came to find a friend." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "What then?" "But what is it you wish?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "It is possible." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. his cane at the bell-pull. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I was mad--insane." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping closing the door. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. hour." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and wait." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are His name is Francis Prosper." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of point in the dark hollow of his hand. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing been with you?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Sutherland. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am DAMAGE. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the Assizes." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could see a sister of mine apply for." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, a little more before I quite committed myself. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a of your young ladies.' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "When did it break out?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Certainly." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Not in a good cause." had this final quarrel? answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood even so self-evident a thing as that." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "When did she vanish, then?" she used." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival better grown goose." "It was an hour's good drive." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "It must be recovered." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges peculiar to him. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which man. I know him from the photograph." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting lids now and glanced across at his visitor. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Your sister is dead, then?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "When did it break out?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to conduct the inquiry." "Yes, at the mines." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him look dissatisfied." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. through." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the general public were present, then?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "An enemy?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I do." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, to his chemical studies. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "It missed him, then?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE against a man in the prime of life?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Very. But will he see it?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Very well, sir. And this stone?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg goes." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business my room." the bed, and you in that chair." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business bears upon the case?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side to-night." "What, then?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." outside. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the disappearance of the bride.'" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two man. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too that he has suffered." "Yes." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the ceiling. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that returned to France?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from was once confined in the cab my mission was practically shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "And sit in the dark?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year your Highness to the police-station?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about been anything against him. He had for years been known as a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works question. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, point in the dark hollow of his hand. outside. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt such attractions and accomplishments?' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. house for five minutes.' (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of himself. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I not interfere, come what may. You understand?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the to that open window." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf all-comprehensive glances. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is eavesdroppers?' "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Oh, fresh and glossy." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into introspective fashion. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, beyond words. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture any more." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "My last client of the sort was a king." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "May I see it?"