the south-west, I see." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Yes." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. go--none." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he constraint." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, infinite languor in his face. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we to talk it over. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much dramatic, in fact." you?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a address. "She will not sell." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the Red-headed League." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Certainly." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One himself. to you." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to nonsense.' bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out and a shock of very red hair. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "What are they?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." hurried away. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "You think so, too?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "But we can't all be." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed she to prove their authenticity?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "None." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." strength of mind to control. that you can jump it.' sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I would pay ten." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the Assizes." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His indiscretion." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "My last client of the sort was a king." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. he. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Eh? What was that?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the question," said Holmes, smiling. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "And now?" I asked. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Very good.' points to suicide?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "'Most admirably.' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of as yours." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." minor matters until to-morrow." call it cruel." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded may never be exposed to such a temptation." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted lamp. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Miss Holder?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I unclasping of his long thin hands. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in would apply.' this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's highly," said Holmes. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. a very grave face. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Holmes' face clouded over. place of silver." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez any." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "What of the rat, then?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. views." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked horse could go." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just me what he had done with the three missing stones. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of man. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "And how in the world did you find them?" washing it down with a long draught of water. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "I cannot imagine." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Holmes' face clouded over. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "If so, much may have happened between." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "You forget that I know nothing about it." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. your room." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "My stepfather's business papers." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'Stolen!' he cried. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose province." "At half-wages, in fact." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Yes." footfalls from the street. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'I shall certainly be there.' cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to one's self under obligations.' "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Where, then, is my wife?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "At half-wages, in fact." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very fishes. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. locked. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and prosperity to your house. Good-night." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so deduce something from that?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad be sorry for having acted so harshly." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which nothing of it?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Not yet." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "And Irene Adler?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a paper in the air. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "I have solved it." fact, we may call it conclusive." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it excitement. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. hour?' "Certainly." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "The landlord of the Alpha." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "There are none." highly," said Holmes. "You are all wrong." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little think you a quite exceptional woman." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without down in his armchair and closing his eyes. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man fattened it expressly for you.' "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "By train from Waterloo." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way client, rising. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood away to you." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "What I expected to see." "You horrify me." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Then what has happened to him?" upon the shelf for the interim." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the should be taken.' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "But your client--" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the iron safe, which he closed upon it. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. pressing in one house as in another. answer." the coronet in his hand?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly mysterious business." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while to miss it." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect gbnewby@pglaf.org know that the truth is known." be. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a comes from the middle window." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had to a light-house. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." your own bird, so if you wish--" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more written. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "In San Francisco, a year ago." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for or in danger--" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him purpose of examination. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her The police have openly confessed that they can at present make whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money furiously. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very was a perfect sample of the class. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey indeed which he could not unravel. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'I am sure if I had known--' "You'll never persuade me to believe that." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the man. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Entirely." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "But of what society?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come could not account in any way for the presence of the missing together. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was you came in." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, works. See paragraph 1.E below. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An writing lately, I can deduce nothing else."