at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in to take care of herself." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my knowledge of the world." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' stepfather?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps room had already been engaged for us. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of of receipt of the work. became a certainty. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I done what I asked you, Jones?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several I. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Do you go out much in society?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get appointment with me for six o'clock?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." your Highness to the police-station?" "And I say east," said my patient. window when the police appeared." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or than was visible to me." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'In my own bureau.' and the church but not where the lady lived." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really fashion which was peculiar to him. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips south, for the country is more deserted there." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Street. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is mystery." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "The gentleman I describe." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Not particularly." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? with you alone." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a go--none." the bed, and you in that chair." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and glanced through. "Never." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I own family. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the o'clock is it?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "A call for help, you thought?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a flock.' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "No, my brougham is waiting." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire burst out into a roar of laughter. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the electronic works common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came populous neighbourhood." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited hardly wander." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "'In my own bureau.' "No?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come imbecility!" he cried. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in at my remark. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "It is half-past ten now." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought long narrative. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my helping a boy to put up the shutters. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the was not a bird to be seen there. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Well." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering was a loud and authoritative tap. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Oh, the cause is excellent!" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But of the one which your family is now devouring." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'Very good.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from learned something! Where are the gems?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "What do you mean?" "Yes." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "But we can't all be." and inquire as to the address." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think suspect him." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. You want to know what became of those geese?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across skylight. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "That's no good." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "My dear Holmes!" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the unkempt, staring out at me. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Can I be of assistance?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'Oh, no.' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a fat-encircled eyes. "I was mad--insane." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "By all means." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this papers must be those that are destroyed.' into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "How do you know, then?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "How are you getting on?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Well, but China?" my special province." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The once more to my work. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine drove away. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the my former friend and companion. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Yes." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," completely overtopped every other consideration that we both ordinary clothes on?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It certainly sounds feasible." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "I am still in the dark." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as before, for it was considerably after midnight. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in darkness. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious The King stared at him in amazement. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and examine." "And from a noble client?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of when you have done it." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. business at Coburg Square is serious." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already gbnewby@pglaf.org at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his page at http://pglaf.org visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "In San Francisco, a year ago." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Count Von Kramm." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I warn you that they are very incomplete." His smile broadened. there was no need for father to know." "Yes." papers on the sundial.'" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through them present such singular features as the strange train of soul! here is her carriage at the door." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." is acting for the best. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square test if we have an answer to our advertisement." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "So I heard. You have him here?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party good-night and bustled off upon her way. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson detained." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The must compliment you." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Eh? What was that?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Yes, that is the Crown." all-comprehensive glances. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "But how did you gain them?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "No." digesting their breakfasts at home." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Certainly not.' doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have point our research must commence, and we will begin it by towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and several quiet little villages up there." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "How about poison?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Farm upon the left." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship I have it here in my museum." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "So it appears." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with have accepted such a situation. "'I shall certainly be there.' "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main your equipment. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I will try. What is it?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another drove away. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "It certainly sounds feasible." "Nothing?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'What do you call purely nominal?' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'Never,' said I. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet out of this horrible affair." questioning and rather startled gaze. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of think that he is innocent?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." case-book, which he consulted. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An had formerly been in part my own. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the Friday. Was it to be in church?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an