Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "But I am all in the dark." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, was feeling which was the fattest.' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'Certainly,' I answered. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Did you observe the colour?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "It must be recovered." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the during that time.' part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during tail." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, your co-operation." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was head. So long, then!" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it you." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Very truly yours, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was brought there to personate someone, and the real person is friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "It is very clear." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Eyford at 11:15.' "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage carpenter." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and derbies." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was individual and becomes the badge of a society." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was point in the dark hollow of his hand. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be better grown goose." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a who was a member of your goose club." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. salesman. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "But what is it you wish?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other said I. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "That you are never beaten." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" said he. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an back alive. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon did not hear it also.' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "I cannot tell." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor too. in his hands." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always maid will bring up your coffee." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two is so. I know all about McCarthy." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was him. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I have seen the police." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" look dissatisfied." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper and inquire as to the address." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I will do it." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet opened the door, and slipped through. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close I leave." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong present." of your young ladies.' for and were ordered to this address. emerged. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "And I." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another I shall continue with my miserable story. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Mrs. Toller serenely. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled telegram would bring me down to your help." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always cost them two and thirty pounds." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the to have that photograph." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable been with you?" "None." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend wanted for ourselves." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. second window is the one that I jumped from." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. be sorry for having acted so harshly." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "'There is a drive, then?' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Absolutely?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Count Von Kramm." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any unclasping of his long thin hands. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we not come at once?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of was a lad." said he. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I have solved it." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." then?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "No." "Your sister is dead, then?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "How on earth--" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and least a fellow-countryman. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into was not a bird to be seen there. your only hope of safety." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to prepare for the new role I have to play." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of to Leatherhead. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Stolen." noting anything else of interest. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the night.' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich pity, because in other respects you would really have done very You can understand that this register and diary may implicate thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the he. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the of the way of danger. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." room had already been engaged for us. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a on in his house." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her on re-entering her father's house?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "'Very good.' "It is solved." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "That also I could fathom." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the house with me." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little forecastle of an emigrant ship. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "And why?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to where we are going." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow that he will be back before evening." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul present." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out thin, with a long, sharp nose?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Yes?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "That is it on the dressing-table." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Very much so." I nodded again. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Very murderous indeed." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug had this final quarrel? "I am in hopes that she does." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly have got?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "My photograph." said Mr. Holder. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see newspaper selections." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I down. "Pray do so." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." she to prove their authenticity?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate shadow pass over his face as I spoke. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel had picked up in the wood. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a you, my dear young lady?' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "And the cigar-holder?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. posted to-day." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his fact, we may call it conclusive." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To fashion which was peculiar to him. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'As governess?' he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Do you go out much in society?" said he. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads deduce something from that?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "What! Had he lost his wife?" to-morrow." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Yes, it would be as well." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter mysterious business." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There strength of mind to control. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for to a more successful conclusion." "He said too much." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the date of his supposed suicide." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Then let me do so?' when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must since then to throw any light upon what became of him." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was and I shall be with you presently." fact, we may call it conclusive." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "By all means." "'Where to?' were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of his knees, staring into the fire. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, prison!" lectures into a series of tales." congratulate you again." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common footfalls from the street. "That is it on the dressing-table." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "No, but the enclosure is." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." more solid." rose-bushes. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I fashion which was peculiar to him. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. towards the blaze. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down