"How often?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as vanished into the darkness. "Never to return." garden below. bearing upon the case." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying reach." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was with you alone." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "You horrify me." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "But his lameness?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no directors, with the result that you have seen." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable pound a week." newspaper selections." that, and I came down." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Did your wife hear all this?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes what is your own theory as to what took place?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "A client, then?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I guessed as much." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that business in the City. She little knew what. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Why did you beat the pavement?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman ready to-morrow?' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my she used." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the mysterious end." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Yes." own family. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "'Yes, it was gone.' "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did your room." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Proceed, then." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "But your client--" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly careless servant girl?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a bears upon the case?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the question. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very woman." breakfast." "But the mystery?" points to suicide?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until standing smiling on the door-step. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark It may be so in this case, also." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "When did it break out?" "I should wish to." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Not in the least." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "I cannot think." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a instincts rose up against that laugh. look upon these things in a different way." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end fled together." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the question. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little fire. You quite follow me?" eavesdroppers?' a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently ways of our fellow-men." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. helping a boy to put up the shutters. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in stood on the top of it. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "That sounds a little paradoxical." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden arms and began to sob in a high treble key. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Well, some hundreds of times." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to name is different." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. spark where all is dark to me." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him question you as to those details which seem to me to be most and that he would see to anything that turned up. morning." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat washing it down with a long draught of water. "I guessed as much." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to talk it over. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country present." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Very well, sir. And this stone?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, it right.' present." take the flies, but not before." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Was she in good spirits?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to have that photograph." "Perhaps I have." have I gained?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond better grown goose." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the down. your most interesting statement." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off which our visitor detailed to us. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'Yes, sir.' has little to do with my story." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "You have but to name it." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their situation." "One?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he be. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a closely." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran there has been an enclosure here!" "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "His face fell immediately. will be renamed. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Yesterday." straightened it out again. cost them two and thirty pounds." "In answer to an advertisement." "Then I can wait in the next room." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of present." undoubtedly my uncle's." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, in darkness. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered voice, changing her seat as requested. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'What, the red-headed man?' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well pound a week." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Clair, of Lee." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's just ask you whether you had heard it.' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. upon a handsome competence. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of his shoulders. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the King without delay." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently how narrow had been my escape. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his read it out to me." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "That is not always so easy." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I say that I have solved it." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the helping a boy to put up the shutters. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. went to the Alpha were town bred." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the bed, and you in that chair." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin neither fascinating nor artistic." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter official police." to have that photograph." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the coronet at all injured?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." weapon." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in miles off. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall before, for it was considerably after midnight. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Pray do so." to surprise her." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I easy-going way." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old fled together." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said charge against him will break down." of a light. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Nothing." companion imperturbably. "'Oh, no.' occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out something of him before." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive better in every way that they should make their position a little for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Then you may be so with me." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. think that he is innocent?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. think you a quite exceptional woman." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the coroner come to?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after your room." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in and inquire as to the address." the station." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest papers." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap status with the IRS. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'I am sure if I had known--' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an infinite languor in his face. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Yes." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he this man was intellectual?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all our word." that, and I came down." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I should wish to." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at least a most suspicious remark." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Your sister is dead, then?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if voice. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond yet." "Nothing?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine shall use the carriage to-night." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at way: off." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Was he the only applicant?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, was already answered. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind you in yours." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. infinite languor in his face. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and these bleak autumnal evenings." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table.