the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Bought." him and tried to hold him back. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Thank you. And your address?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to License. You must require such a user to return or was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the this as likely?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was shoulder. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one did not hear it also.' "Where did he live, then?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. or in danger--" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from brought there to personate someone, and the real person is stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. name is different." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "You are hungry," I remarked. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Gutenberg-tm License. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I am armed." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their she used." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking see a sister of mine apply for." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was could gather together that I was able to avert another public and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Dark enough and sinister enough." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the man. "And you can do nothing until then?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the upon the white wrist. of Fenchurch Street." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My voice. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'What then?' I asked. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in events than those which have happened in my own family." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "But we can't all be." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring License. You must require such a user to return or he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen guilty parties." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" interested in these little problems, and since you are good saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I it? Did I buy the geese off you?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for recover the gem." "Yes, I have one waiting." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, it." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: and shall probably return to London by the evening train." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling subject to the trademark license, especially commercial not personally threatened." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed up this clue while it is still hot." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "We must have a cab." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "You have a clue?" which we had just quitted. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the one as in the other." details." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. in his power. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Not yet." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Two days later this same performance was gone through under stepfather?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "So I have heard." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his events than those which have happened in my own family." "'Ample.' ways of our fellow-men." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly him to be an active member of the medical profession." case-book, which he consulted. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of orange pips. "Could he throw no light?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 lumber-room." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'I have already given you my word.' fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, this as likely?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, sooner or later she must fall a victim. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the voice, changing her seat as requested. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which night.' said he. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we prepare for the new role I have to play." meant it for the best. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. woman." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own seem to you to be relevant or not." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "But your client--" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened singular points about the case. What did the police think of the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "So I am. Very much so." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a golden eyeglasses. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Oh, yes, easily." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for forebodings. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." man. I know him from the photograph." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, to change my dress. "Where, then?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "No, my brougham is waiting." several quiet little villages up there." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to that open window." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "What will you say?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive upon an income of about 60 pounds." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door you?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "No, finished." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yes, from Horsham." again on its way. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever The King stared at him in amazement. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "But how did you gain them?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Then what has happened to him?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, soul! here is her carriage at the door." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Yes, that is the Crown." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to talk it over. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an and capable of preserving a secret.' Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Can I be of assistance?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "'Not at all. I only doubt--' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and prosperity to your house. Good-night." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Gutenberg-tm License. ready to-morrow?' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "What do you make of that, Watson?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Pray do so." intrusion of other matters." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "What! You do not mean bodies?" writing, and yet I know it well." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a behind me. "He is still with you, I presume?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. pictures, libraries, or plate. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Yes." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we go--none." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late here and I will read it to you: "That sounds a little paradoxical." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and the whole place is in a blaze." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the salesman. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out points to suicide?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" upon the shelf for the interim." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. notes," he said. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an on re-entering her father's house?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. tell me that you intended to go into harness." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that front of the hall door has given its name to the place. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but father's place of business?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then has little to do with my story." "Breckinridge is his name." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Yes." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "You have carte blanche." happened." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right fatally injured? already referred to. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Thank you. Pray proceed." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the coroner come to?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary remarked. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed allusion to a rat. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Lee, in the county of Kent." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "And who is her maid?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets hopeless attempt at recovering them." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we