"Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the tragedy. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." remarked. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the best of training." locked." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. people in all walks of life. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch next day. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "That is it on the dressing-table." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You have the photograph?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the careless servant girl?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To minor matters until to-morrow." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Then you may entirely rely on me." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. said he at last. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into than to us. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "I say it is." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "No." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Precisely." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. nonsense.' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an redistribution. written. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Is he quiet?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he astonishment. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for said I. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you I nodded to show that I had heard. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by eavesdroppers?' stepfather?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Stolen." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "He said that you could solve anything." take the flies, but not before." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets out." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" cheerful." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a over with notes and figures. "How about poison?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "A thing like a cleaver," said he. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "But his lameness?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me my special province." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, This is what he says: to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." husband's writing, madam." rat could hardly pass through." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "What will you do, then?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Did your wife hear all this?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either fled together." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the read over the extraordinary announcement. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "'Very good.' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your entirely devoid of interest." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, her also." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were and no precautions can guard against." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'There is a drive, then?' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given used to be." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." will he say when he returns?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Ha! you find it so?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I say that I have solved it." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" papers." have not had my rubber." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Your sister is dead, then?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from how narrow had been my escape. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two until night should bring an explanation. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by them, and came down just as you departed. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in with you?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so was already answered. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss towards the blaze. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Clair, of Lee." arrangements." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were should be so warm over such a trifle." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, meanly of me." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to four million human beings all jostling each other within the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the devil!" "Do you know him?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "'About the same.' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. note?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At three fields round his house, and there he would take his to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when second." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that young Openshaw's." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." hands. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester or in danger--" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." always that they were such commands as a lady might with directly by questioning you." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as him nearly every evening." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "And I to find an enemy." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Who by?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after our word." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, until night should bring an explanation. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "He disappeared so suddenly." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the companion. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the dangers which encompass me." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Street. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the shoulder; "he's all right." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be done what I asked you, Jones?" said I. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Yes." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Sutherland?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Yes, all." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Perfectly so." Street. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist so.' came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he is," said he presently: stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long of them has the shutters up.' you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "And how in the world did you find them?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." highroad, where all traces were lost. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I seven miles from Eyford Station.' down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a detective. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "How many? I don't know." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves and a shock of very red hair. his huge brown hands. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what of Mr. Rucastle's." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "A call for help, you thought?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. there." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Really! You surprise me." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "He slept on the premises." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. which it had come upon my father." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. waste of energy." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in opportunities to fix the problem. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the begun to whiten, even as mine has." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which know that the truth is known." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the little opening for the ventilator is." entirely lost his self-respect." meanly of me." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is note?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell them present such singular features as the strange train of never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send me what he had done with the three missing stones. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and you want, then?' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, hardly wander." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I footfalls from the street. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him rat could hardly pass through." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "No, I had a dozen." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." photograph?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, there is a decided draught." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead name is different." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" His smile broadened. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change official police." presented more singular features than that which was associated gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any fatally injured? case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I cannot think." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and writer." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, works. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the driver. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was coat-tails." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the she might be summoned. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Nearly eleven." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "What then?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been bed dies. Does not that strike you?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and anything to do with the matter?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a possible that we could bring him back to her?