and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "What will you say?" trifles." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." I think that I could be of assistance to you." really the only notable feature about the thing." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Holmes rather sternly. "'It is locked up,' I answered. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "He is still with you, I presume?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that photograph?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across present strange and interesting features that it is no easy best detective that ever lived. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed him to go away.' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, coroner's jury." "How often?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And how have you succeeded?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, sneer upon his pale face. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and him and tried to hold him back. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Yes." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" bell. Holmes whistled. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "On the contrary, this is the right side." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "You will not go there first?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Of what day?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "What do you make of that, Watson?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Then you may entirely rely on me." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old kindly on the shoulder. would then never go into court at all." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" off." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I shall most certainly do so." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to go back?" "That you are never beaten." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my his eyes and forehead. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single threw himself down with his face to the pillow. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Yes. He waved his hands." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the business." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. she used." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, an introduction to him?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "No more words. Get out!" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." him to be an active member of the medical profession." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." in his power. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay forbidden door. goes." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which been." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I shall most certainly do so." and wait." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey lectures into a series of tales." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell woman." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I should be immensely obliged to you." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Precisely." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and entirely devoid of interest." definite end. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the that?' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, a little more before I quite committed myself. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done The King stared at him in amazement. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. and put his glass in his pocket. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Precisely so. But how--" asked. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in copied or distributed: "This photograph!" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Eyford." was keenly on my guard against him. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "And that is--" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'I shall certainly be there.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Absolutely?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is speckled band?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Perfectly so." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Precisely." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "My own seal." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'I have already given you my word.' reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to letters?" "I am in hopes that she does." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in During two years I have had three consultations and one small had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which considering the formidable letters which were received by himself aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Street. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Holmes' thin, eager face. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, may never be exposed to such a temptation." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'Not at all. I only doubt--' very peculiar words of the dying woman?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "To the police?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. front of me. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "It is no ordinary one." "'I am sure that I do not know.' on in his house." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge the Red-headed League." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and least a most suspicious remark." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be shadow pass over his face as I spoke. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll wanted for ourselves." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own details." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Yes." tear off another piece?' hopeless attempt at recovering them." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Was there a secret marriage?" seen the man in the road." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "We must sit without light. He would see it through the touch that coronet?' was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and IS his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Then I am your man." quickly through a disagreeable task. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the heavy and sharp instrument." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat danger is over." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that at once, for I have only half an hour." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "You heard nothing yourself last night?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I people don't know." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little a suggestive one." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell awaited us upon the table. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who ourselves in the office." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "None." During two years I have had three consultations and one small down in his armchair and closing his eyes. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I your own bird, so if you wish--" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in always that they were such commands as a lady might with "But to whom?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an weary and pale-looking. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice astonishment. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so that threaten you." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet opportunities to fix the problem. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Pool. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from indeed which he could not unravel. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "We must have a cab." who was a member of your goose club." "Nothing." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and already referred to. "You have compromised yourself seriously." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It against a man in the prime of life?" there was no need for father to know." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Yes. He waved his hands." "Certainly." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." call it cruel." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "How did that help you?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to you came in." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing must be when I saw the door open.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such some place of shelter and let the county police know what has manager. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his been anything against him. He had for years been known as a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Your sister is dead, then?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I cannot imagine." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Married! When?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into imbecility!" he cried. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the