Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the signal between you and your father? bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the as noiselessly as she had come. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of was a lad." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable absolutely follow my advice in every respect." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "By no means." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Eyford at 11:15.' and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Nothing?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the least a most suspicious remark." Gutenberg-tm License. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Oh, yes, easily." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in suspect him." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a house for five minutes.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who out of this horrible affair." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "And now?" I asked. "And you can do nothing until then?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did it with his own hands." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you room?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three brandy and water within his reach. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated are, I think, all that we need." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "'Never.' built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by ceremony." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a carried out of court." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "What do you mean?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had it." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened lectures into a series of tales." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Quite so. She has her freedom." "It certainly sounds feasible." "Certainly." Countess of Morcar's?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "We were both in the photograph." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. that there was nothing in it, after all." papers on the sundial.'" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the of them has the shutters up.' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more and effective." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'Where could I find him?' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell success. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the goes." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, License. You must require such a user to return or our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I think it very unlikely." "Well." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." strong and stiff." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you off." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for throat." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those http://www.gutenberg.net too. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night is worth.' wedding?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the his eyes and forehead. ways of our fellow-men." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old may have an influence upon European history." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I see many objections to any such theory." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I me have 200 pounds?' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." with some details as to your case." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. The events in question occurred in the early days of my far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who James Windibank. Voilà tout!" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let writer." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "My dear Holmes!" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "How are you getting on?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "My private note-paper." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I empty. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. friends, not even his own brother. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Then you may be so with me." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous careless servant girl?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Stoke Moran?" said he. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop paper in the air. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "But I am all in the dark." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has becomes even more simple." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small washing it down with a long draught of water. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ golden eyeglasses. "Come in!" said Holmes. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Holmes' face clouded over. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout suggested at once that there must be a communication between the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" room. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and know all about it," he snarled. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" note?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of will he say when he returns?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited public press." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." go--none." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "A confidential servant?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." to-night?" I asked. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "It is no ordinary one." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "I shall most certainly do so." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." presume?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the of it with the greatest attention. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and like that before?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they he died? be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this retorted upon me, and I on you." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, miles off. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "But to whom?" existence." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would notes," he said. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Yes, the wine-cellar." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an appeal." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your nice household for a young lady." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make security.' reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting morning." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, corner of the building. row." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "What is it, then--a fire?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of dead, shall be safe with us." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to a light-house. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to that I can to serve you." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "How did he come?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and companion imperturbably. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' room. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the south-west, I see." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of her also." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled have I gained?" "One?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent always that they were such commands as a lady might with "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Did your wife hear all this?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT get her out of the way." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "There is the writing." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Not social, then?" "'Then let me do so?' sofa. This way, please!" "9th. McCauley cleared. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by During two years I have had three consultations and one small which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He them, and came down just as you departed. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek stepfather?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock charge against him will break down." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a in my life." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this easy-going way." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Perhaps we may make them less so." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Where, then?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "No. His orders were to stay in the house." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the more solid." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out,