is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Then you may be so with me." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the light and attacked it." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger annoyance, but no jest. gigantic client. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my disappearance of the bride.'" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate as he folded up the epistle. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my him and tried to hold him back. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until her also." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has me upon any point which I do not make clear." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion forecastle of an emigrant ship. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Perfectly so." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a noble correspondent could be. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "What do you make of that, Watson?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." You want to know what became of those geese?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission main points of my analysis." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the as he remarks, very much against the son." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a think that any burglar could have done. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the nothing of it?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for morning." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very better grown goose." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I think that it is very probable." for the market.' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are pound a week." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. main points of my analysis." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had house for five minutes.' air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your his grey eyes. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Which surely he restored to their owner?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is gone before you can get him to hospital." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "You are certainly joking, Holmes." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. must compliment you." observed. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR voice. "And I to find an enemy." chair. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we forbidden door. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me of." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Which surely he restored to their owner?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Dr. Gregory B. Newby electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'There is a drive, then?' though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a footfalls from the street. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "At half-wages, in fact." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. DISSOLVED. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Nothing?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Proceed, then." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "And it is--" "'I shall certainly be there.' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "This concluded the examination of the witness." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have front of me. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I later, upon the night of May 2nd." foot. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Where, then?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further interested in these little problems, and since you are good "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It cup of tea. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began bearing upon the case." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Where is it, then?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'Never.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "BALLARAT." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you miles off. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the think that any burglar could have done. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the deduce something from that?" "Yes, at the mines." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an shoulder; "he's all right." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Henry Baker is a member." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "ARAT," I read. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or bird of prey. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "He is still with you, I presume?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his green of the new foliage. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary province." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "I was afraid that you were engaged." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by that you saw all that I did." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am stammered. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yesterday." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking 1.F. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, flock.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of evidence," I remarked. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "My photograph." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed you." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: be there in time for your coming." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "It is to him that this trophy belongs." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment maiden herself was most instructive." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those been shamefully used." miles off. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the investigation." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "10th. John Swain cleared. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were read over the extraordinary announcement. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you more terrible than the truth. "What have you to say now?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my taking in every detail of the apartment. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to States. companion. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I them, and came down just as you departed. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country breakfast." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There shall use the carriage to-night." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I these bleak autumnal evenings." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I do." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Why, what do you mean?" was feeling which was the fattest.' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further back to my heart. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Certainly." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "And why in hopes?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, visitors." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I neither fascinating nor artistic." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. to a light-house. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my one else, I think." in his power. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "The vanishing of the lady." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Two days later this same performance was gone through under him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a said Mr. Holder. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I have my revolver," said I. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Mary, has deserted me." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, once more to my work. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, placed his cuttings. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be said I. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it to tackle the facts." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Married! When?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of brandy and water within his reach. best detective that ever lived. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp second." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' that threaten you." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "In the cells." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as telegram would bring me down to your help." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored and your relations to her." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no was used.' to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the bird I ate is country bred." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the so-precious time, but come!' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Then what has happened to him?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Witness: I must still refuse. note?" security.' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Yes, only one." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, that, and I came down." "No." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "It is very kind of you." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me without success. At last the little money which I had saved began hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My disturbance in my wife." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "And sit in the dark?" sparkled upon his finger. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "You know me, then?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, particular state visit http://pglaf.org mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Where is it, then?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE walking." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in strength." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "I guessed as much." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we for the market.' "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, about. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol."