"Where did you address your letters, then?" families. Now for the facts. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Where did he live, then?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain a very grave face. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the chair. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Oh, no.' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the knowledge of the world." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Why did you pick him?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Ha! you find it so?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they mystery!" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for present." "'Entirely.' used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "And on what day did he meet his death?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It passage and a tap at the door. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." least a fellow-countryman. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the best of training." felt the room to be a little close.' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Nothing." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should come either from the window or the door. My attention was his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Oh, yes, easily." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the there in twenty minutes." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and upon a handsome competence. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "It is his hat." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even stood on the top of it. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now eavesdroppers?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? what do you think they found in the pockets?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I developed." figure." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. waste of energy." written, and locked the door of the office after me. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining towards the blaze. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Did you become engaged then?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt to tackle the facts." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the astonishment. good-night and bustled off upon her way. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Could he throw no light?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Yes, he did." "I should be immensely obliged to you." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Yes, at the mines." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Will you go?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in them?" carried out of court." help us in this matter." your troubles." straightened it out again. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "So I am. Very much so." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line society." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was down from London to inquire more deeply into it." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has The note was undated, and without either signature or address. his fortune, and I went back to pa. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Where did he live, then?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy always that they were such commands as a lady might with chance at all." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Yes, it would be as well." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. your most interesting statement." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the nursery. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from writers could invent nothing more crude." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am stalked out of the room. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" vault. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back horse could go." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Come in!" said he. and the colonel ushered me in. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "And your mother is alive?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Street. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I am about to be married." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too some city in a dream. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Can I be of assistance?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "And how?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "To an English lawyer named Norton." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "But how could you guess what the motive was?" definite end. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some gone before you can get him to hospital." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than For additional contact information: indeed which he could not unravel. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' returned to France?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain of your young ladies.' That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent have not had my rubber." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their been deceived." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Game for a morning drive?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I was afraid that you were engaged." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater developed." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave morning." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could hair?' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "That is also quite modern," said the lady. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Whose house is it?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over questioning and rather startled gaze. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or husband's writing, madam." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "That is it on the dressing-table." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is exactly what you advise." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Oh, yes, easily." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Very. But will he see it?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "And now?" He raised his hand. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Street. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'What then?' I asked. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do for the market.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'About the same.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Texas, I think." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Well?" a good hundred miles off by now." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end must be when I saw the door open.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "What I expected to see." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by very morning of my second wedding." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the is now desirous of getting those letters back." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he all-comprehensive glances. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought that he will be back before evening." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Literary Archive Foundation heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "I think that I had better go, Holmes." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his records." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his of campaign. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his his grey eyes. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Stoke Moran?" said he. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Yes." your co-operation." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Yes, it was gone.' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Not him." him to be an active member of the medical profession." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the views." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, asked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he and the whole place is in a blaze." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is key turn in the lock." "What, then?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "That you are never beaten." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other crime. "It is half-past ten now." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "What?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." know that the truth is known." Eyford at 11:15.' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Precisely." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Then I am your man." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I never have." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me call the police, let the police find what they can.' deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose copied or distributed: greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "What steps will you take?" I asked. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "He disappeared so suddenly." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from test if we have an answer to our advertisement." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to