down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. of this gang." is acting for the best. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have we went to search for him, face downward in a little was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own was used.' ran thus: of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project hair?' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "From his hat?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so present." chair. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "And why?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Were they all fastened this morning?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns and laid it on the table. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "But we can't all be." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk your billet.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we rooms." "I see no marks." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Quite so." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out His name is Francis Prosper." to me. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Have you her photograph?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened late!' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, fishes. "I shall be delighted." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the bottom.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was note?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong direction." "'Then let me do so?' Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "ARAT," I read. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "My Mary? Impossible!" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. invisible to me," I remarked. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'What then?' I asked. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his could not have written that. It is the German who is so scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning will be renamed. an introduction to him?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down had a long day." she to prove their authenticity?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "What can it mean?" I gasped. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon kindly on the shoulder. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' John Swain, of St. Augustine. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not in a friendly supper." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "It was." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower attention." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I think it very unlikely." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." where she found matters as described by the last witness. tail." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and them, and came down just as you departed. "The vanishing of the lady." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will of campaign. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. note?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "An enemy?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against know all about it," he snarled. "And I to find an enemy." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I am all attention, madam." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This writers could invent nothing more crude." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Well?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in charged with?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Serpentine Avenue. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "You were travelling in the States?" to a more successful conclusion." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" recover the gem." me where it went to?" writers could invent nothing more crude." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter brain must have something in it." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "He disappeared so suddenly." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Yes, from Horsham." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "'What would be the hours?' I asked. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." forecastle of an emigrant ship. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has carried out of court." "And what did you see?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have hurried by. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Thank you. And your address?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of forbidden door. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Then I am your man." yards of it?' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free letters?" trying to your nerves." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a there has been an enclosure here!" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one gone before you can get him to hospital." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "No, finished." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir that the gas is not laid on in his house?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Whose house is it?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We that you wished to speak to me?' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every 'please.'" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere drawing your inferences." child?' "My opinion is in no way altered." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency see a sister of mine apply for." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." galvanised. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when leave you to your papers for a little." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Absolutely?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the roots. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Yes, sir." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." get the tickets." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were tell them apart.' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight out." approach us with offers to donate. "I see many objections to any such theory." "Yesterday." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and over with notes and figures. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent was a perfect sample of the class. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon as this. Pray let me have the details." "Texas, I think." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, enter into my head. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Farm upon the left." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "She showed me, as I told you she would." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin reach." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone From what you have told me I think that it is possible that It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Street. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" ashen face. friends, not even his own brother. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he cause to be." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. sneer upon his pale face. the ceiling. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you approach us with offers to donate. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, my former friend and companion. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, nice household for a young lady." giving me time to thank him. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, I shall continue with my miserable story. "Only as much as we can deduce." a monotonous occupation." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "That also I could fathom." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. recover the gem." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before been shamefully used." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at it? Did I buy the geese off you?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? dramatic, in fact." States. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was I leave." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall affection." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "What office?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. him and tried to hold him back. his eyes and forehead. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Will you go?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours galvanised. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come noble correspondent could be. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in acquaintance?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be footfalls from the street. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending is acting for the best. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Do you go out much in society?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband village inn over there?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have forehead. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "But how will you look?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how there were so many in the whole country as were brought together call it cruel." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am trifles." "'What then?' I asked. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency so far?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say