"Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of this gang." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Who by?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that have not had my rubber." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I fear not." strode off upon his way. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "How about poison?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Do you go out much in society?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'What then?' I asked. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Street. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the inner apartment." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own be.' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. his forehead." "And why?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. said I. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in to talk it over. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Yes." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to not, dad?" she asked. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'Certainly not.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Can I be of assistance?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." cigar and let me expound." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather stepfather?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody in the hope of finding them." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from matters immensely." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" amused." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Have you it here?" in his hands." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'I am sure if I had known--' upon the white wrist. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather that?' and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' conduct the inquiry." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, never came back." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk train from Paddington which would bring you there at about might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he at once, for I have only half an hour." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when there was no need for father to know." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. is worth.' with frightened eyes at his accuser. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "And did you observe any change in her then?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "My dear Holmes!" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms your own bird, so if you wish--" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the think that he is innocent?" I nodded again. business came to an end." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. call the police, let the police find what they can.' fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "But to whom?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my upon the white wrist. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Dirty?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of tell them apart.' "My opinion is in no way altered." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do companion quietly. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "And you don't know his address?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Then I do not see the point." gbnewby@pglaf.org of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Never." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are 1.F. me. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Nothing?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal undoubtedly my uncle's." "Then you may be so with me." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the is so. I know all about McCarthy." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "By no means." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the trying to your nerves." is so. I know all about McCarthy." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was spark where all is dark to me." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "How often?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. introspective fashion. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. it." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the feature." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, foot. purpose equally well?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is national property. I was determined that the law should have its my room." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "I cannot tell." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his fear." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my these bleak autumnal evenings." "'Which dealer's?' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, at a side door. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, shall not find me ungrateful." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "How about poison?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I answered that I had not. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the believe that I should never have any practice at all. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the galvanised. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. had died away into the silence from which it rose. cost them two and thirty pounds." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in. events than those which have happened in my own family." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the one as in the other." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two think you a quite exceptional woman." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Precisely." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a constraint." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, outsides of the windows. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Yes." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, through." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I clang of the bell. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons dead, shall be safe with us." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the lumber-room." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Gutenberg-tm License. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a goes." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found will find little credit to be gained out of this case." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Why did you beat the pavement?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in goes." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination page at http://pglaf.org "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still there when the Rucastles went away." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, rooms." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "An accident, I presume?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' shadow pass over his face as I spoke. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms call for protection in the marriage market, for the present families. Now for the facts. meant it for the best. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must beyond words. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom house for five minutes.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, said I. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss he bowed and left the room without another word. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the individual and becomes the badge of a society." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by foot. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, what these perils are?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he you?' A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," not interfere, come what may. You understand?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "What can you not understand?" "'Never,' said I. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate minor matters until to-morrow." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a envelope. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United outside." "Proceed, then." "But she will refuse." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Has he come with you to-night?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured intrusion of other matters." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a quick march!" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Did your wife hear all this?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross."