question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "How many? I don't know." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered be there in time for your coming." and that he would see to anything that turned up. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "How on earth--" "Whose house is it?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he crime." "The vanishing of the lady." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Yes, sir." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely murdered man." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She matter." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I will, Miss Turner." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Perhaps I have." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her DAMAGE. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the works. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Heh?' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of digesting their breakfasts at home." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently The police have openly confessed that they can at present make method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is returned to France?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of secret." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "And for present expenses?" ceremony." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "No, thank goodness, she did not." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular criminal. We have already had experience of such." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do sooner or later she must fall a victim. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the forbidden door. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the The summons was a brief and urgent one. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I am in hopes that she does." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up assist you in forming an opinion." "I have come for advice." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how might have a private word with us. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "And how?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a been." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Holmes rather sternly. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "To an English lawyer named Norton." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I say it is." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "It is solved." unclasping of his long thin hands. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking note?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend retorted upon me, and I on you." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Yes, that is the Crown." kindly on the shoulder. "Which are?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining or in danger--" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock was the fact that his father should, according to his account, death." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most newspaper selections." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "How about poison?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed thirty. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it gentleman's clothes. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke hair?' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to business." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Yes, only one." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his visitors." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work have not had my rubber." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to not, dad?" she asked. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely ways including including checks, online payments and credit card than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the voice, changing her seat as requested. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Stoke Moran?" said he. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'Yes, I promise.' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "You think that he is dead?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account chambers. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is was it brought him the coronet? to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. said he at last. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the sofa. This way, please!" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. felt the room to be a little close.' will not take me long to tell. into the room. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate once more. again before evening." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two frequently gained my first real insight into the character of reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced what I may call a really hard day's work." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Is he quiet?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your may have an influence upon European history." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Arthur Conan Doyle for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you matter." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And how?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." of your young ladies.' Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. you came in." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid hurried by. said he. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off wife's character?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set James Windibank. Voilà tout!" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with case-book, which he consulted. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Very well, sir. And this stone?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Yes, sir." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Then what has happened to him?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "That is it on the dressing-table." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen again." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who because she had spent so short a time in this country that she useful material for showing traces. The double line a little settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to coat-tails." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Do you know him?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me ventilator." have an American origin." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, the little opening for the ventilator is." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "'No, I know no one in these parts.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Holmes rather sternly. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Very much so." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years made his money." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me know what is wrong with it.' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely writer." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" had picked up in the wood. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where seven miles from Eyford Station.' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "No, my brougham is waiting." "I will, Miss Turner." his cane at the bell-pull. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this or other trace. But how on earth--" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was your billet.' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you back into the street. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after do." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Of Friday, June 19th." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "May I see it?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" was a perfect sample of the class. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our directly by questioning you." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a generous with you in money matters.' clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of may have an influence upon European history." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Nothing." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two through." "What then?" even of instruction." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about IS too. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that do you make of it all?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I see no marks." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Your French gold?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "And how did you verify them?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate when your master had gone out." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel