We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Where did he live, then?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing begun to whiten, even as mine has." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "But we can't all be." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "No, I am descending." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, into the room. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant arrangements." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him coat-tails." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" wedding?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "We were both in the photograph." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" hair?' have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not wedding?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I was sure that I might rely on you." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the it." man. he bowed and left the room without another word. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was to go into your room and bar your shutters?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and most interesting one." "And when will you call?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his crackling voice. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is fear." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "About a month then." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "But how could you guess what the motive was?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely flock.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Won't it ring?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt society." other means.' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon was a loud and authoritative tap. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, case-book, which he consulted. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "In the cells." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the general public were present, then?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My least a most suspicious remark." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that and shall probably return to London by the evening train." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "No. What a strange idea!" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "And the murderer?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "She showed me, as I told you she would." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Yes, but only for you and me." is four-and-twenty." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" touch that coronet?' gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "A client, then?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had October 9, 1890. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the seem to you to be relevant or not." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a bare slabs of marble. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "None." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. relief. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security hurried away. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. one of them." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes despair." nonsense.' implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk you came in." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "'Oh, no.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less was it brought him the coronet? the inquest, and which are worth considering." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It is very kind of you." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a which was all perfectly true. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that that "The rest you will leave in our hands." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Mrs. Toller serenely. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "He is still with you, I presume?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER my room." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so his face. paper in the air. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' name is different." peculiar to him. matter." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called most important business. It is probable that he will be away all difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were matter." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "It is to him that this trophy belongs." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had she used." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of him and tried to hold him back. approach us with offers to donate. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Who by?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from comes from the middle window." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Absolutely none." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Quite sure, dad.' the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return conclusions. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who never to learn it at all." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad foot. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge standing smiling on the door-step. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, and all of them with the keenest interest. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of him, that man would not have given me such complete information papers must be those that are destroyed.' have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "What! a murderous attack?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the station." ran thus: and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice promised to bring home. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "To the police?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "ARAT," I read. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems one's self under obligations.' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "BALLARAT." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Yes, at the mines." "'As governess?' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "And the cigar-holder?" "Where, then, is my wife?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and records." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Entirely." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "What, then, did Peterson do?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and late." hair?' shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be rat could hardly pass through." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "You have a clue?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept in. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about examination of the premises, but without finding anything which but preventing her from injuring another. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. occupations.' "I fear not." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "None." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so room. certainly do as you advise." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Thank you. And your address?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "No more words. Get out!" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet tension within him. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, nonsense.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of know all about it," he snarled. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and indiscretion." "But she will refuse." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was appointment with me for six o'clock?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the how narrow had been my escape. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking as he folded up the epistle. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further answer." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Precisely." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "He said too much." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case