the room while you explain this matter?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and it. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through interest. They are important, you understand, without being the tragedy. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the running down." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "But of what society?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I cannot say that I have." away into the river." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. case-book, which he consulted. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical status with the IRS. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the Assizes." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." derbies." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Then he might have called to you?" strength." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which the morning and make my own way in the world.' from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "No?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Yes, but only for you and me." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside stammered. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Then, as to money?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "It is his hat." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." events, Mr. Windibank!" 1.F. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an call for it in person on Monday morning.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you at a side door. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the horse could go." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "What is it, then--a fire?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss horse could go." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest secret." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'Oh, no.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my infinite languor in his face. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the letters?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." has little to do with my story." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." him. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a fatally injured? smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the inner apartment." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Holmes." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Dr. Gregory B. Newby pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I don't say that. Perhaps." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure man. I know him from the photograph." to have that photograph." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Will you go?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is was a perfect sample of the class. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling happened." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I cannot as yet see any connection." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the armchair which I pushed forward for him. was already answered. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is since then to throw any light upon what became of him." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them outside." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "And what did you learn from him?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. dramatic, in fact." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "It came here." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I guessed as much." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely eat it." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an believe that I should never have any practice at all. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is hereditary King of Bohemia." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were distance from the station, and there we found the young lady towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to kindly on the shoulder. "Then, as to money?" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little enter into my head. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we narrative." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told beyond words. at my own good fortune. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in tassel actually lying upon the pillow. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and retorted upon me, and I on you." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice that he has suffered." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, not, dad?" she asked. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Precisely so. But how--" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "And did you observe any change in her then?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote as the one I chose?' and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I voice. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be indiscretion." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Breckinridge is his name." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must be sorry for having acted so harshly." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to forebodings. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five you came in." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was introspective fashion. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with are, and they are waiting for us." "He slept on the premises." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Well?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a if only as a check to my own memory." chamber." his face. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." been." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider three of the beryls in it, was missing. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the date of his supposed suicide." it with his own hands." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Where, indeed?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only who was a member of your goose club." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "The King of Scandinavia." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered in a very precise fashion." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some DAMAGE. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the it means?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect of receipt of the work. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. you, my dear young lady?' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I meant it for the best. "At the wedding breakfast." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed considering the formidable letters which were received by himself ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in indiscretion." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save that I am arrested." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Yes, at the mines." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "It must be recovered." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. villagers almost as much as their master. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "'Is purely nominal.' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the said Mr. Holder. this as likely?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "That you are never beaten." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the Assizes." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. rooms." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich companion quietly. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "It is true that I have been generally successful." exactly what you advise." instituted." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Yes." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my breakfast and whispered something to her husband. train.' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the suddenly upon us." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "It missed him, then?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "The gentleman I describe." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "The vanishing of the lady." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. advice." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us without a word or a look. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. may have an influence upon European history." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. to-morrow." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to best detective that ever lived. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "My photograph." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Never." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one noble correspondent could be. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE green of the new foliage. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; money should be paid at once.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. closely." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. the dangers which encompass me." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his