the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had there when the Rucastles went away." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round someone who had been in Australia." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, to affect your life." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Sutherland. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? will not take me long to tell. business." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "The Coroner: What do you mean? something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless His smile broadened. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was I shall communicate with you." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at prison!" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Quite so. She has her freedom." which was all perfectly true. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." outside. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the existence." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "The Cedars?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "And I." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, maiden herself was most instructive." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I beg pardon." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. a little more before I quite committed myself. "Certainly." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter to miss it." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness business came to an end." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "What of the rat, then?" sofa. This way, please!" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him round with crates and massive boxes. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "And now?" I asked. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I would give my fortune to have them back." such person." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual in his hands." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray that the gas is not laid on in his house?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' bedroom door." any." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Oh, yes, easily." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House me where it went to?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "No, distinctly professional." think, you have already met." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she him, that man would not have given me such complete information children over to America with him, so that I found myself without suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, really the only notable feature about the thing." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry papers." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, was already answered. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has during the last few years, and there are many noble families to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which leave you to your papers for a little." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the station." prison!" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, in the dead of the night?' "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good States. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a again before evening." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the bottom.' "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" shoulder; "he's all right." questioning and rather startled gaze. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several crowd. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that I can to serve you." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "But how will you look?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Not I." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "You horrify me." "What then?" "None." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on client, rising. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "About a month then." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished I leave." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing confronted him. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is kind enough to tell me what I should do." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Why did you pick him?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Of Friday, June 19th." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something meant." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will London for the present?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an recall any case within my experience which looked at the first certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper character. handed it to him. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I behind me. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' father's place of business?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that II. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "'There is a drive, then?' a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll extraordinary contortions. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "The Cedars?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and manager. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the trying to your nerves." himself to tell his story. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less in my life." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two to a more successful conclusion." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per wedding?" used to be." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange shall not find me ungrateful." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Look there!" said he. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I cannot tell." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings had died away into the silence from which it rose. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand to Leatherhead. question," said Holmes, smiling. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. thirty. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out a good hundred miles off by now." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "But not more so than I to find you." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with fasten all the windows?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Where does the thing come from?' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. bachelor.' "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Was she in good spirits?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, and the church but not where the lady lived." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 into the bag, and made for the door. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of detective. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in a very grave face. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I see many objections to any such theory." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Ten will be early enough." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Why serious?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been which we had just quitted. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'And what are they worth?' I asked. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "No." "I have seen the police." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "9th. McCauley cleared. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Yes, all." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not believe that I should never have any practice at all. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me weigh very heavily upon my conscience." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his empty. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Deserted you?" "9th. McCauley cleared. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Serpentine Avenue. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known me. the driver. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of you." "When did it break out?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my rose-bushes. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as bears upon the case?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it I shall continue with my miserable story. name is different." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I remarked. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon never will be, entirely cleared up. visitors." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a that I can to serve you." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent sit on the left-hand side of the driver." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this