It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Eyford at 11:15.' ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE is," said he presently: us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "But what harm can there be in that?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in for securing the situation." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "It must be recovered." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same really the only notable feature about the thing." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to constraint." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is gbnewby@pglaf.org chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "What are they?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United strength." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! appeal." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Holmes." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Yes." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every once more to my work. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, who was a member of your goose club." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. case-book, which he consulted. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "But you were on a friendly footing?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three brought there to personate someone, and the real person is brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for unkempt, staring out at me. ourselves in the office." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Can I be of assistance?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the dangers which encompass me." the general public were present, then?" woven round him. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' writers could invent nothing more crude." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with assist you in forming an opinion." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "This photograph!" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'Certainly not. But why?' "You are all wrong." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass call for protection in the marriage market, for the present going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "That's no good." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "And that is--" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite writing, and yet I know it well." "But your client--" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and His smile broadened. gentleman's clothes. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "And your father? Did you tell him?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes. He waved his hands." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "In which, sir?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear exactly what you advise." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now already been minutely examined." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was it were putty." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. help us in this matter." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the driver. "There are none." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "It is possible." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar them, and came down just as you departed. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this other means.' inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Did he not advertise?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is seven miles from Eyford Station.' purpose equally well?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" question," said Holmes, smiling. clang of the bell. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a go back?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Upon what point?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen had formerly been in part my own. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young ready to-morrow?' "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "You will not go there first?" conclusions. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it ordinary clothes on?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "It is true that I have been generally successful." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from forehead. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to your Highness to the police-station?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the presented more singular features than that which was associated pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a morning." direction." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "How did you deduce the select?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. my secret was safe in his possession. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a returning from some small jollification and was making his way "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Sutherland?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. electronic works by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the night.' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Surrey." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you as he remarks, very much against the son." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Ten will be early enough." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call upon a handsome competence. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the weighed down with some great anxiety. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every think that he is innocent?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their head. So long, then!" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Well?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "But how will you look?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our she to prove their authenticity?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and the colonel ushered me in. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side an introduction to him?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "No?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so jewels which you have stolen?' leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the something of him before." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend taking in every detail of the apartment. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Watson," he said cordially. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Not yet." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For records." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria your own bird, so if you wish--" were new raised from a basin. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Pray continue your narrative." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Well?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his I think that I could be of assistance to you." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the you?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant sufficient punishment." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his death." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, back to my heart. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more in. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "You were travelling in the States?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. it with his own hands." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they weapon." nice household for a young lady." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring envelope. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella John Swain, of St. Augustine. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "What can it mean?" I gasped. you?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy could not have written that. It is the German who is so noble correspondent could be. meant." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fatally injured? the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever eat it." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of as he folded up the epistle. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very stood on the top of it. "I cannot imagine." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to envelope. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Her father is very rich?" "Where is it, then?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is read it out to me." remarked. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to that open window." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: you, my dear young lady?' We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing overpowering excitement and concern. "Where to?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She at once, for I have only half an hour." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the drove away. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, get her out of the way." where we are going." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and whether it answered to the description of any of their opportunities to fix the problem. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that with some details as to your case." I took the paper from him and read as follows: quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his emerged. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture sofa. This way, please!" some water from a caraffe. here and I will read it to you: photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "What!" he roared. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Was your sister dressed?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot.