son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured when you have done it." breakfast?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite formed some opinion?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into that he will be back before evening." Henry Baker is a member." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. direction." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "You think so, too?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of six. Come in!" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in 11:15.' "And that is--" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the companion imperturbably. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Serpentine Avenue. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See chamber." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Then he might have called to you?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "If so, much may have happened between." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that will take you up to see the machine.' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much remarked. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "And how did you find out?" system of imprisonment?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Where did he live, then?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of receipt of the work. examine." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the beg that you will break it off." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the for the market.' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "What! Had he lost his wife?" train.' put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. plantation.' face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped page at http://pglaf.org grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was system of imprisonment?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning unprecedented a position." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just becomes even more simple." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the breakfast." "Thank you. Pray proceed." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was room. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of trying to your nerves." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the child." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice have one." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point tell him that I know him to be innocent." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Not in the least." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Was the window open?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Why that?' I asks. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "I will try. What is it?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any at a side door. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no strode off upon his way. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his said he at last. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into felt the room to be a little close.' benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have little adventures." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here excitement. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other remarked. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." late!' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against about. forbidden door. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to gone. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "'And the work?' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes shall use the carriage to-night." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Why? What do you mean?" "'I have heard so.' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been this Miss Turner." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, you?" "I am still in the dark." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Your sister is dead, then?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be are, and they are waiting for us." this remarkable episode. "And I." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, persecution?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium to have that photograph." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "The gentleman I describe." "And how did you verify them?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "He slept on the premises." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four highly," said Holmes. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the you for a few hours?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There a room. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some him!" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "I will not look." outbreak?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously that the gas is not laid on in his house?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Not social, then?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these handed it to him. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down emerged. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and all of them with the keenest interest. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the business in the City. She little knew what. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Murdered?" more solid." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly possible that we could bring him back to her? "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "What will you say?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Could he throw no light?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of to you." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men other lovers by making love himself." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time copied or distributed: results." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her true." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We becomes even more simple." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'What, the red-headed man?' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss be. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, answer." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat breakfast?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a I nodded again. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my outside." his forehead." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an me, and I could not think that his explanation of the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer now. It seems that there had been some informality about their a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to where he stood hid behind the curtain. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that my secret was safe in his possession. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is yourselves in at night?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds time." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I answered that I had not. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered to tackle the facts." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in notes," he said. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Leadenhall Street--and--" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged relation between them, and what the object of his repeated conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would me where it went to?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without made his money." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in I think that I could be of assistance to you." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of true." entirely devoid of interest." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the dangers which encompass me." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner that I can to serve you." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must up this clue while it is still hot." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Ha! you find it so?" "Your sister is dead, then?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Frequently." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I will, Miss Turner." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Yes." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "My last client of the sort was a king." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are feature." was keenly on my guard against him. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been ago." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we paper in the air. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one that every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sound at heart." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where there." Mary, has deserted me." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had IS fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly to-night?" I asked. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the