turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I should wish to." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. McCarthy." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge of this gang." bonnet, and went out." that I can to serve you." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are bedroom door." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather out of this horrible affair." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as you." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's some terrible trap for her." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard throat." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer least a fellow-countryman. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." this poor creature." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "And did you observe any change in her then?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. copied or distributed: "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a copied or distributed: "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but of it with the greatest attention. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian 'please.'" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to strength in the others." time." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Project Gutenberg-tm works. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the but preventing her from injuring another. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City breakfast?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding this remarkable episode. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Nothing?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Yes?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" better grown goose." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Yes, but only for you and me." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Sutherland?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "That sounds a little paradoxical." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "How did you deduce the select?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some just called myself is not exactly my own." "I promise," said Holmes. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Bought." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some yet." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? in one or two places in England?' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the lamp. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm I leave." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." developed." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind tear off another piece?' me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "But he might be a bachelor." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you chair. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical and I shall be with you presently." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend was lame." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that definite end. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the electronic works which was all perfectly true. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "But it has twice been burgled." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on brain must have something in it." "The best possible." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not of it with the greatest attention. "I guessed as much." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free least a fellow-countryman. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "And what did you learn from him?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has I nodded to show that I had heard. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "But I am all in the dark." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason his fortune, and I went back to pa. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and closely." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' there when the Rucastles went away." three fields round his house, and there he would take his were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Countess of Morcar's?" to talk it over. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the might help us?" do.' description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought congenial hunt. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a chance at all." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." conduct the inquiry." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I shall most certainly do so." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." gigantic client. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting directly by questioning you." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and tied." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, upon a handsome competence. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I should like to see him very much." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Won't it ring?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "What of the rat, then?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one chill to my heart. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'Certainly not. But why?' like gravel from a pit.' conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he that he has suffered." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY I was concerned in it." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a nonsense.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a meant it for the best. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the or other trace. But how on earth--" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my presented which may be striking and bizarre without being hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. yards of it?' Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my have an American origin." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On shoulder; "he's all right." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as cost them two and thirty pounds." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and might have a private word with us. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that weapon." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Yes, all." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your once more for Briony Lodge. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." with frightened eyes at his accuser. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear disappearance of these gems?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in McCarthy's innocence. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a his huge brown hands. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did deduce something from that?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture was keenly on my guard against him. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than comes from the middle window." Countess of Morcar's?" "No, I think that I'll take it." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On in him." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." there when the Rucastles went away." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the other lovers by making love himself." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your examination of the premises, but without finding anything which and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Holmes, the busybody!" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Tired-looking or fresh?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to there is a decided draught." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Will you bet, then?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, in the dead of the night?' my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and do.' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "No, I am descending." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Frequently." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, friends, not even his own brother. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which man. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may shoulder; "he's all right." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle we went to search for him, face downward in a little and your relations to her." I have it here in my museum." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a fait accompli?" were new raised from a basin. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the Red-headed League." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "But you were on a friendly footing?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "He might." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds experiences." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to go--none."