some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had papers." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Not in a good cause." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself both be extremely obliged.' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the stable lane now." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and assist you in forming an opinion." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a quickly through a disagreeable task. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are where we are going." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, himself to tell his story. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "If I can be of use." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney when you have done it." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived sound at heart." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual sooner or later she must fall a victim. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, 11:15.' violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our derbies." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed companion. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Where does the thing come from?' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "And for present expenses?" "In heaven's name, what for?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major narrative." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'Then let me do so?' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement if I call to-morrow?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing and capable of preserving a secret.' I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, appeared upon the scene." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for walking." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "It is a murder, then?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." presented more singular features than that which was associated all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'Certainly,' I answered. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Certainly." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'I have heard so.' question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am plantation.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "If I can be of use." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed even so self-evident a thing as that." interest. They are important, you understand, without being beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Then what has happened to him?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Have you it here?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the nursery. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away some mystery and the punishment of some crime." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the them, and came down just as you departed. Clair, of Lee." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'Never.' "How can you tell that?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. be.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have silent! Oh, he will be silent!' force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and his face. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door as he folded up the epistle. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "10th. John Swain cleared. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and have this put in the evening papers." certainly do as you advise." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'And the work?' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in conceal it?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really of campaign. "The gentleman I describe." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "He said too much." astonishment. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." was a perfect sample of the class. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "It certainly sounds feasible." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." to tackle the facts." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Did he not advertise?" address. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. such attractions and accomplishments?' "No, my brougham is waiting." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible I was concerned in it." it with his own hands." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so less than 26s. 4d. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Nothing?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had should be taken.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Miss Holder?" get her out of the way." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "So I have heard." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Oh, yes, easily." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the I am not easy in my mind about them." "Yes, all." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens had died away into the silence from which it rose. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular here and I will read it to you: "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys rat could hardly pass through." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "BALLARAT." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It is his hat." already been minutely examined." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I was afraid that you were engaged." into the room. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business suddenly upon us." never will be, entirely cleared up. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his voice, changing her seat as requested. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is note?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Clair, of Lee." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked better grown goose." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in DAMAGE. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead any more." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Well, some hundreds of times." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but orange pips. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and should be taken.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Entirely." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." indeed happy." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, to some other building. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "In San Francisco, a year ago." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Nothing?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, quickly through a disagreeable task. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the of the vacancies.' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper thirty. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole upon a handsome competence. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Well, but China?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with you for a few hours?" chance at all." "It's nothing of the kind." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more you." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, matter." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Surrey." "He might." more terrible than the truth. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "So it appears." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Breckinridge is his name." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of ago." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress confronted him. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what that he has suffered." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got one which it was hard to resist. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding and put his glass in his pocket. village inn over there?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias speckled band?" "I shall most certainly do so." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her a monotonous occupation." "And why?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an said he. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Leave Paddington by the 11:15." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door