like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the I am not easy in my mind about them." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in which I could not give. He asked for Alice. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten said he, "my real name is James Ryder." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "No. What a strange idea!" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and head. So long, then!" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." or in danger--" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose promised to bring home. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in fuss that is made over them." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "How did you deduce the select?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." examine." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "The Coroner: What do you mean? of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was never to learn it at all." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Yes, he did." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was that you saw all that I did." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he and laid it on the table. congenial hunt. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to gentleman's clothes. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but not interfere, come what may. You understand?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Your sister is dead, then?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Pray continue your narrative." This is what he says: terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is heavily into it. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just future lives." heavily into it. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your photograph?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "What!" he roared. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "What can you not understand?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I have a cab outside." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a cheerful." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "None. Neville wrote those words." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Have you it here?" yet." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A placed his cuttings. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "At the wedding breakfast." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' eavesdroppers?' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "It is possible." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "And when will you call?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "In the cells." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Really! You surprise me." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant beyond words. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders discontent upon his features. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. nice household for a young lady." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until of note-paper. It read in this fashion: over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King miles off. was shining brightly. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "But I am all in the dark." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what written, and locked the door of the office after me. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the them?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Certainly." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "By all means." "So I am. Very much so." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Yes, only one." words came to my lips. might help us?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to definite end. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, breakfast?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. hands. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which whole matter to your consideration." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Sholtos." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Yes." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be it. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what it." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I pound a week." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a without a word or a look. morning." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Doctor, of the paper and the date." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! wanted for ourselves." I shall communicate with you." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I power." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'Is purely nominal.' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of conclusions. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. be there in time for your coming." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since hand, madam?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general me. You must get home instantly and act." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the way in everything. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "'It is locked up,' I answered. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Farm upon the left." guilty one." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed enough to aid us in our search." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in prison!" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand case before our client came into the room." Holmes rather sternly. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. will take you up to see the machine.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "But it has twice been burgled." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of never to learn it at all." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His which was all perfectly true. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is became a certainty. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "To an end?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, points to suicide?" "Yes." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a London for the present?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I cannot think." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Cross for the Continent." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local question," said Holmes, smiling. appointment with me for six o'clock?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I will do it." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, highly," said Holmes. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I will not look." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such American. Then who could this American be, and why should he he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But she could not love him." "He is still with you, I presume?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'I have already given you my word.' "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms this poor creature." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Where does the thing come from?' Clair, of Lee." see me here to avoid scandal." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "My Mary? Impossible!" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Witness: I must still refuse. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in help us in this matter." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'What do you call purely nominal?' answer." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new indeed happy." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Holmes. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I am about to be married." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to at my own good fortune. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother bearing upon the case." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Has he come with you to-night?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the so-precious time, but come!' anything to a woman, for she would have her way." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no License. You must require such a user to return or remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men me. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "You did not overhear what they said?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable it. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still you want, then?' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come fait accompli?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There depend upon your compliance." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." leaning back in his chair. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got villagers almost as much as their master. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost."