I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we The King stared at him in amazement. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a overpowering excitement and concern. "No, thank goodness, she did not." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and the whole place is in a blaze." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, and laid it on the table. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "My dear Holmes!" jewels which you have stolen?' pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I discontent upon his features. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this unprofitable." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Yes." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the asked. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This client, rising. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "You did not overhear what they said?" was used.' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'Never.' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through rooms." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and mysterious business." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! acted in my house last night?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when very old mansion. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "On your arm?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "That was it, sir." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is is," said he presently: "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "'I shall certainly be there.' of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our indiscretion." records." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. better grown goose." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having 'I should be able to look after that for you.' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: in my life." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "My dear Holmes!" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I mysterious business." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with key turn in the lock." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to to me. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. comes from the middle window." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "My private note-paper." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had congratulate you again." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Yes, at the mines." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Yes, it was twisted." thin legs towards the fire. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master eat it." little adventures." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting all?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said obstinate." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "A thing like a cleaver," said he. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Pray let us have it, for all that." of the way of danger. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "To ruin me." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been third from London." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was It may be so in this case, also." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the he died? "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour ordinary clothes on?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "It looks newer than the other things?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Mrs. Toller serenely. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I know where it is." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have is entirely a question of barometric pressure." business matters.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary do.' "Ample." both be extremely obliged.' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our a few minutes he said that it would be all right. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Look there!" said he. his eyes and forehead. "10th. John Swain cleared. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Certainly." "I am following you closely," I answered. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. always that they were such commands as a lady might with "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a to arrive at through this?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness had formerly been in part my own. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in disappearance of these gems?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I never have." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "So I have heard." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. so.' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you there when the Rucastles went away." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. to tell." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: of Mr. Rucastle's." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "I answered that I had not. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read easy-going way." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private your equipment. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what situation." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always or in danger--" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "So I have heard." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in strong reason behind." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "I cannot tell." in the dead of the night?' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Holmes rather sternly. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was feeling which was the fattest.' devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Why serious?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it not come at once?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your purpose equally well?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Dr. Gregory B. Newby this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has your own bird, so if you wish--" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Which dealer's?' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to of your young ladies.' copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. events, Mr. Windibank!" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Will you go?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "In heaven's name, what for?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Absolutely none." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you written, and locked the door of the office after me. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and the colonel ushered me in. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her horse could go." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by and no precautions can guard against." wall." indeed happy." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Then what has happened to him?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Your presence might be invaluable." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which waste of energy." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in go--none." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have roused himself from his reverie. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this that there was nothing in it, after all." "'Certainly not. But why?' I held the little printed slip to the light. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'Where to?' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' question," said Holmes, smiling. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "But I am all in the dark." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about is worth.' "But she will refuse." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears cause to be." "Yes." "No, finished." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the crime." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "What is it, then--a fire?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Nearly eleven." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City night.' said he. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get of Fenchurch Street." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink not personally threatened." your Highness to the police-station?" the dangers which encompass me." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** was used.' me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings as this. Pray let me have the details." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that sofa. This way, please!" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we in a very precise fashion." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your remarked. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction emerged. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised back alive. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the address that was given us in the advertisement. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent call it cruel." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and to have that photograph." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "That is also quite modern," said the lady. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the been." place no limit on the sum I may draw." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Sholtos." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off hard-headed British jury." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "The King of Scandinavia." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I have my revolver," said I. "'Most admirably.' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the