or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "When did she vanish, then?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed an introduction to him?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Edgeware Road. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and no precautions can guard against." which we had just quitted. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts mysterious business." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason later, upon the night of May 2nd." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it speckled band?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "But what is it you wish?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into The summons was a brief and urgent one. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" or other trace. But how on earth--" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and carpenter." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. companion. "I shall most certainly do so." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Stoke Moran." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by anything to a woman, for she would have her way." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, breakfast." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate asked. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "And your mother is alive?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the learned something! Where are the gems?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook tied." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "A confidential servant?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "I should like to see him very much." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by bears upon the case?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and himself to hunt down. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in were new raised from a basin. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for chance." "And how did you verify them?" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "But you have hopes?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "My own seal." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little sneer upon his pale face. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he kindly on the shoulder. pressing in one house as in another. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is no ordinary one." that grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her of his shoulders. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he showing my impatience. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I would pay ten." not come at once?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the out." outside. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "We must sit without light. He would see it through the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for little trying to do so much typewriting?" public press." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences papers." status with the IRS. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and business matters.' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I putting in the horse. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into room?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'Tell me all about it,' said I. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train seem to you to be relevant or not." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "She showed me, as I told you she would." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? characteristics, but those are the more obvious." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Pray do so." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were things are very often connected not with the larger but with the ran thus: delighted to hear it," he said. "Quite so." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "We must have a cab." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I results." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." where she found matters as described by the last witness. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a I nodded again. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "What then?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some unclasping of his long thin hands. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King to-night's adventure." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had there was no need for father to know." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I cannot imagine." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. crowd. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "My photograph." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize carpenter." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should together. "Ample." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Was he the only applicant?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Sutherland?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "You did not overhear what they said?" nothing with him." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had case-book, which he consulted. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my unprofitable." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be again on its way. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "A thing like a cleaver," said he. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting companion. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, kind enough to tell me what I should do." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in matter." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Not in a good cause." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. here." "I do." vanished into the darkness. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you troubles have been weighing upon his mind. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week next day. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no whether it answered to the description of any of their permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "What of the rat, then?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can all that?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but whole matter to your consideration." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to entirely devoid of interest." off." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Nothing." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was kindly on the shoulder. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as some terrible trap for her." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope character. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my hopeless attempt at recovering them." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Yes." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you purpose equally well?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "You have the photograph?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, closing the door. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will hair?' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I But Holmes shook his head gravely. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a wedding?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Certainly." "Certainly." "I have solved it." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Sutherland. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, undoubtedly my uncle's." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "'Ample.' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and go--none." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Pool. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Holmes' thin, eager face. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the anything to do with the matter?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be to a light-house. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "But I have heard all that you have heard." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you arrested. You then--" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. and your relations to her." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. question. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Cross for the Continent." into the bag, and made for the door. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, compunction about shooting them down." outside." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich manager. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One for the market.' possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the returned to France?" how narrow had been my escape. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the his fortune, and I went back to pa. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Where did he live, then?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Won't it ring?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been present strange and interesting features that it is no easy about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting test if we have an answer to our advertisement." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Certainly." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is disappearance of the bride.'" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "No, distinctly professional." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would examination of the premises, but without finding anything which customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack distinguish the words: that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I don't believe it." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have be. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and the church but not where the lady lived." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon it were putty." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before against a man in the prime of life?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" asked. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry