easy-going way." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Did you become engaged then?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over respectable self." "I am about to be married." miles off. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Very. But will he see it?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "And sit in the dark?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. disturbance in my wife." take the flies, but not before." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main in his hands." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from matters immensely." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught discontent upon his features. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "None." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began along the entire front of the house, with three long windows had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "You'll never persuade me to believe that." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to laugh and put his lips to my ear. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Holmes." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to showing my impatience. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I think that it is very probable." "What! a murderous attack?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the had this final quarrel? lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Foundation are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Holmes." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "I am all attention, madam." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the one as in the other." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to of receipt of the work. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers vanished into the darkness. "Was the window open?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for danger is over." "My last client of the sort was a king." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square business at Coburg Square is serious." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in you do it in twenty minutes!' facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "It may not come to that," said Holmes. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Did you observe the colour?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his had died away into the silence from which it rose. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was asked. train.' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the matter." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "My dear Holmes!" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or most interesting one." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he certainly do as you advise." sofa. This way, please!" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of question. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, foresight and the moral retrogression?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search other lovers by making love himself." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely The telegram which we eventually received came late one night might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to plantation.' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It is his hat." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "At half-wages, in fact." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. records." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck closely." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." hair?' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite if she died from some sudden fright." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "So I am. Very much so." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted What do you deduce from it?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did wife's character?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "But she will refuse." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Yes." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of do.' before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I think it very unlikely." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found throat." Where does the thing come from?' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." instincts rose up against that laugh. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at acquaintance?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became was it brought him the coronet? Sutherland. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "I cannot tell." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was few hundred pounds.' chamber." "Just look it up, then." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the instituted." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "My own seal." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment never came back." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic States. "A call for help, you thought?" answer." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less call it cruel." your Highness to the police-station?" III. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked do.' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he again on its way. to affect your life." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I was sure that I might rely on you." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that became a certainty. "You were travelling in the States?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought she to prove their authenticity?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "One of his hands." "Where, then?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the father's young wife. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should conceal it?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in developed." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the fat-encircled eyes. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to unprecedented a position." "Look there!" said he. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of me." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as I think that I could be of assistance to you." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, have got?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation public press." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going your sleep?' "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the south-west, I see." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "On Monday." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the within hail.' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I considering the formidable letters which were received by himself coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "You have but to name it." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "And Miss Sutherland?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may completely overtopped every other consideration that we both And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the weighed down with some great anxiety. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "No bad?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish into the bag, and made for the door. "So it appears." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was better grown goose." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this events, Mr. Windibank!" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I guessed as much." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "You have a clue?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "My photograph." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. vanished into the darkness. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Watson," he said cordially. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the get the tickets." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." late." "Was the window open?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, noble correspondent could be. again before evening." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a against a man in the prime of life?" cigars in their mouths. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. power." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so note?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was the matter?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp way: "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the bell. Holmes whistled. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here at a side door. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, again, where I was soon asleep. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have point our research must commence, and we will begin it by them present such singular features as the strange train of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "But it has twice been burgled." for its centre. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you awaited us upon the table. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to this as likely?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Well, it is a possible supposition." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with way in everything. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "In San Francisco, a year ago." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the so-precious time, but come!' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to