American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor and wait." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, front of me. stammered. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from happened." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid it were putty." "Ten will be early enough." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'What, the red-headed man?' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will intimate personal affairs in this public manner." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "And what then?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "At the wedding breakfast." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire mystery!" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and there is a decided draught." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the side-table." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his back alive. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I assure you that I am in your hands." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the roots. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project upon an income of about 60 pounds." will be renamed. "Dr. Becher's." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not vanished into the darkness. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I have hopes." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Certainly, madam." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed it right.' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Yes." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who true." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'Ample.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a it with his own hands." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what will not take me long to tell. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "By train from Waterloo." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Only as much as we can deduce." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Stolen, then." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said I am not easy in my mind about them." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" might have a private word with us. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "You have but to name it." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was think, you have already met." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback assist you in forming an opinion." "What?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the front of me. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 acquaintance?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'Never,' said I. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "No, I am descending." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "How are you getting on?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the Assizes." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and would apply.' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "It is no ordinary one." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin DAMAGE. the loss of it. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which next day. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be remarked. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the Assizes." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Why? What do you mean?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Proceed, then." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Yes." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last felt the room to be a little close.' "No, my brougham is waiting." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang triumphant cloud from his cigarette. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with purpose of examination. leave you to your papers for a little." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the might help us?" "'You cannot say what it was?' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with http://gutenberg.net/license). keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this is a common subject for conversation. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed information in his hands the value of which he did not himself silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, trying to your nerves." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a of Mr. Rucastle's." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." outbreak?" wedding?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, daring than any effort of the imagination." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and laid it on the table. before the coroner and the police-court." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Then how many are there?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. which we had just quitted. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "It may not come to that," said Holmes. with some details as to your case." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that bird I ate is country bred." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "I have come for advice." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to me. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it she has been waylaid. There has been no result." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. is," said he presently: "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his place, I think that there is good ground to think that the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "That is easily got." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for outsides of the windows. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "None." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out was a loud and authoritative tap. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Yes, sir." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness disappearance of these gems?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and children over to America with him, so that I found myself without think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Yes." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of seem to you to be relevant or not." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. The King stared at him in amazement. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Dr. Gregory B. Newby sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point conversation I have gathered that they have been married about to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "You don't mind breaking the law?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate vanished into the darkness. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." secret." "'Certainly not.' and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, miles off. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, crime." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who correct than the official force." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more closing the door. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my said I. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" rat could hardly pass through." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "None. Neville wrote those words." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held in darkness. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "You have a clue?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "But how?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable my former friend and companion. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Bought." "My own seal." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "What can it mean?" I gasped. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of other means.' maiden herself was most instructive." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Nothing?" to-night?" I asked. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Really! You surprise me." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "What then?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you have one." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Bought." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Yes." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." indiscretion." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Farm upon the left." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a late." go--none." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about envelope. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I would give my fortune to have them back." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss waste of energy." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a bedroom door." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "And on what day did he meet his death?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Was your sister dressed?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt electronic works the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their will be renamed. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture them?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I if I call to-morrow?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Then the page we have seen--" the Red-headed League." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the towards the blaze. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two answer." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." her also." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the in one or two places in England?' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "No." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the appeared upon the scene." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "How did you deduce the select?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." not, dad?" she asked. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window