"Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" my room." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to infinite languor in his face. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Ha! you find it so?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "At what time?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." know what is wrong with it.' direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Where, indeed?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not enter into my head. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair what is your own theory as to what took place?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen III. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "I cannot tell." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me light and attacked it." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "The decline of his fortunes, then?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll answered with a sidelong glance. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! some mystery and the punishment of some crime." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your girl said." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Then I can wait in the next room." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "To an end?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father and shall probably return to London by the evening train." was used.' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It came here." for its centre. husband's writing, madam." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "I don't say that. Perhaps." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out tightly behind him. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Quite so." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. any." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "We were both in the photograph." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since his cane at the bell-pull. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the house with me." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that in a friendly supper." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching anything to a woman, for she would have her way." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. feature." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his ways of our fellow-men." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I beg pardon." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Texas, I think." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "'Most admirably.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other himself to hunt down. "Yes, from Horsham." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "An accident, I presume?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "And how did you find out?" that he has suffered." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love as noiselessly as she had come. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it returning from some small jollification and was making his way figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of crime." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not villagers almost as much as their master. "What are they?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where there." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "We have tried and failed." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew During two years I have had three consultations and one small frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Have you it here?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and page at http://pglaf.org stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "At what time?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a will he say when he returns?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has before, for it was considerably after midnight. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and wait." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the This is what he says: like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Perfectly so." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "'I have heard so.' course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "My dear Holmes!" man. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business answered with a sidelong glance. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A I have it here in my museum." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Can I be of assistance?" bell. Holmes whistled. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six quite distinctive." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Never to return." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever despaired of." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Ha! you find it so?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as crowd. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid asked. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting strong and stiff." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project are windows in it, of course?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, house for five minutes.' by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "9th. McCauley cleared. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "What, then, did Peterson do?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again strength in the others." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a had a long day." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature It may be so in this case, also." "I cannot imagine." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" investigation." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at upon the white wrist. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on God! What an exposure! What can I do?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Certainly." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "But she will refuse." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing hair?' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I directly by questioning you." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "I will not look." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Can I be of assistance?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from skylight. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly amused." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual during the last few years, and there are many noble families to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "My opinion is in no way altered." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil reach." is four-and-twenty." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. your only hope of safety." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Just look it up, then." someone who had been in Australia." "You think that he is dead?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Then he might have called to you?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and call the police, let the police find what they can.' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Then let me do so?' do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too have had none more fantastic than this." "Certainly, madam." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "You think so, too?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and some terrible trap for her." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "The King of Scandinavia." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "By train from Waterloo." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always it." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never long narrative. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "You have a clue?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very deduce something from that?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others in. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, business at Coburg Square is serious." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "And on what day did he meet his death?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Miss Holder?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." man. I know him from the photograph." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Ample." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the if only as a check to my own memory." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were tapping his fingers upon the table. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and undoubtedly my uncle's." to talk it over. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, my special province." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you with the outside air!" "Yesterday." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be felt?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'You cannot say what it was?' "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my lost nothing by them." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the vault. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent to a light-house. strong reason behind." meant." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, papers." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Did you become engaged then?"