"That's no good." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "You have compromised yourself seriously." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain morning." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Where, indeed?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which miles off. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "But his lameness?" "At half-wages, in fact." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the relief. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. upon an income of about 60 pounds." room?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, comes from the middle window." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my window when the police appeared." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and to talk it over. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my you." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your experiences." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Of what?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. think that any burglar could have done. will take you up to see the machine.' revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." character. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. upon the shelf for the interim." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "'Yes, it was gone.' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official pound a week." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. there in twenty minutes." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the to a light-house. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot guilty parties." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Project Gutenberg-tm works. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a situation." "By no means." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand other, as fresh and trim as possible. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint your most interesting statement." "And you thought he was pulled back?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "But you were on a friendly footing?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who other lovers by making love himself." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Of what?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in papers must be those that are destroyed.' "What! a murderous attack?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "VIOLET HUNTER." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "By no means." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your posted to-day." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is companion imperturbably. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her quick march!" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New during that time.' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" have an American origin." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, http://gutenberg.net/license). "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me business at Coburg Square is serious." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre redistribution. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in least a fellow-countryman. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been you found me to-night--and running through the front room she electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "'I shall certainly be there.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as grasp, he hurried from the room. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such looking up at the numbers of the houses." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "But what harm can there be in that?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what night.' said he. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered recover the gem." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I beg that you will break it off." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Well, but China?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day even of instruction." I leave." to arrive at through this?" "I have come for advice." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, cigar and let me expound." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to exactly what you advise." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the matter?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Only as much as we can deduce." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. photograph?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something invisible to me," I remarked. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." golden eyeglasses. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One neither fascinating nor artistic." held up the lantern and gazed about him. would apply.' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Certainly." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon redistribution. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and leaning back in his chair. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." something of him before." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "And on what day did he meet his death?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I have seen the police." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the matter." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Certainly." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Her father is very rich?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for was the fact that his father should, according to his account, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here stalked out of the room. "Precisely so. But how--" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as views." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "What then?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Eh? What was that?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under comes from the middle window." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Your sister is dead, then?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Quite so." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is wife's character?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, depend upon my doing so.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the night.' fashion which was peculiar to him. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very was lame." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls tell them apart.' round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Seven!" I answered. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the in his power. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just His smile broadened. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the was keenly on my guard against him. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your question," said Holmes, smiling. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "I will not look." returned to France?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Pray let us have it, for all that." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the she to prove their authenticity?" awaited us upon the table. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted few hundred pounds.' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "No legal papers or certificates?" mystery may be cleared along those lines." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "How did you deduce the select?" narrative." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "My dear Holmes!" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" nonsense.' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have I have it here in my museum." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "No." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. his eyes and forehead. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." footfalls from the street. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Yes, he did." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their I shall communicate with you." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business gone before you can get him to hospital." there when the Rucastles went away." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though crime." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the prisoner's face. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. that he has suffered." my secret was safe in his possession. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have affair. chill to my heart. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and effective." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?"