"I beg pardon." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "And the cigar-holder?" "Look there!" said he. side. McCarthy's innocence. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Street. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I think that I had better go, Holmes." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. sofa. This way, please!" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years all?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding McCarthy." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. definite end. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and lamp in his hand. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set forecastle of an emigrant ship. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few business came to an end." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of one of them." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand papers must be those that are destroyed.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "No, thank goodness, she did not." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our awaited us upon the table. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. upon the white wrist. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling heavily into it. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "VIOLET HUNTER." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Mary, has deserted me." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Very. But will he see it?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "When did she vanish, then?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred as yours." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "No. What a strange idea!" "Pray let us have it, for all that." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was this Miss Turner." said I. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "You forget that I know nothing about it." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "We must have a cab." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" opened the door, and slipped through. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the recover the gem." closely." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or train from Paddington which would bring you there at about There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Do you go out much in society?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the several quiet little villages up there." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter I was concerned in it." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Was he the only applicant?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in acquaintance?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" pictures, libraries, or plate. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a was it brought him the coronet? "My private note-paper." of it with the greatest attention. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "But of what society?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Did you become engaged then?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Your sister is dead, then?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. maid will bring up your coffee." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. himself in a perplexing position. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "There is the writing." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and have had none more fantastic than this." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "What are they?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Yes." what these perils are?" to-night's adventure." I nodded to show that I had heard. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "The landlord of the Alpha." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his dead, shall be safe with us." rat could hardly pass through." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, is," said he presently: going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "This photograph!" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter that he has suffered." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography your troubles." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten envelope. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Really! You surprise me." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." McCarthy's innocence. "And why?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his crackling voice. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'Not at all. I only doubt--' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us appeal." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to should be so warm over such a trifle." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to prove to be little relation between the different incidents of point our research must commence, and we will begin it by it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "What will you do, then?" "Did your wife hear all this?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Was the window open?" went to the Alpha were town bred." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the one's self under obligations.' their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the You want to know what became of those geese?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Entirely." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his strength." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or shadow pass over his face as I spoke. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in if only as a check to my own memory." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." had this final quarrel? "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "How on earth--" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, question," said Holmes, smiling. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, like that before?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "But not more so than I to find you." and inquire as to the address." window when the police appeared." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my whether it answered to the description of any of their possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the morning and make my own way in the world.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "And your mother is alive?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did with some details as to your case." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the posted to-day." "In the cells." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four one's self under obligations.' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both them, and came down just as you departed. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as bare slabs of marble. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" green of the new foliage. from you?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was sofa. This way, please!" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I once more to my work. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Well, some hundreds of times." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the King without delay." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I kind enough to tell me what I should do." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "My stepfather's business papers." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such your only hope of safety." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Then, how do you know?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Holmes rather sternly. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached into the bag, and made for the door. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a cause to be." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom during that time.' with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he are, and they are waiting for us." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the stones. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began points to suicide?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she rose-bushes. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Then, how do you know?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three from you?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these be.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "What steps will you take?" I asked. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "A greater distance to travel." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "How on earth--" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." better in every way that they should make their position a little instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my carriage. It was a chestnut." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." them?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. coat-tails." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "It must be recovered." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." once more for Briony Lodge. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning brandy and water within his reach. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other is worth.' Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For a room. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Not in a good cause." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand