new acquaintance to Baker Street. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about depend upon your compliance." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Of Friday, June 19th." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It furiously. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to then?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home if only as a check to my own memory." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I would give my fortune to have them back." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "And your father? Did you tell him?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "They are typewritten," I remarked. "You were travelling in the States?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess new duties?' remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have to go into your room and bar your shutters?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. at once, for I have only half an hour." least a fellow-countryman. roused himself from his reverie. even of instruction." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "And why?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for passage and a tap at the door. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "That is not always so easy." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, might have a private word with us. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Street. tightly behind him. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "That was it, sir." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, signal between you and your father? His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke meant." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." gentleman's clothes. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, public press." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the locked. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. said he. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "No, I think that I'll take it." "Yes." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. south, for the country is more deserted there." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "That sounds a little paradoxical." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if cigars in their mouths. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "And Miss Sutherland?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Look there!" said he. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Have you her photograph?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." walking." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'Ample.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow behind me. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your presume?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his as noiselessly as she had come. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "10th. John Swain cleared. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the room while you explain this matter?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Entirely." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "So it appears." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress even so self-evident a thing as that." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "By train from Waterloo." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'Where to?' been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all woman who has had her own way to make in the world. nothing of it?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "No good news?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "And what did you see?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment matter." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates McCarthy's innocence. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be used to be." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Of Friday, June 19th." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "He said that you could solve anything." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "And you can do nothing until then?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of in his hands." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "This concluded the examination of the witness." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Not particularly." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird ago." "You know me, then?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable asked. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "And why?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." joking. look dissatisfied." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Will you bet, then?" "Yes, it was twisted." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." giving me time to thank him. four million human beings all jostling each other within the go--none." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the bottom.' were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'And the work?' and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who sofa. This way, please!" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "None." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the gives a meaning to it." "Where, indeed?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "My dear Holmes!" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the out of this horrible affair." off." "'I have already given you my word.' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a father's young wife. "No, but the enclosure is." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was You want to know what became of those geese?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." unkempt, staring out at me. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to fait accompli?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains touch that coronet?' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. which was all perfectly true. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a trifles." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Pope's Court. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The formed some opinion?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "At the wedding breakfast." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a case-book, which he consulted. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; roused himself from his reverie. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I do." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that here." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Certainly." "Was your sister dressed?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "'Yes, sir.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and possible that we could bring him back to her? point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "I think that it is very probable." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Then how many are there?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their in his power. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'I am sure that I do not know.' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one secret." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Perhaps we may make them less so." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, six. Come in!" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at vague figure huddled up in the darkness. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way McCarthy." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "You know me, then?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House giving me time to thank him. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how fat-encircled eyes. had formerly been in part my own. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very you." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of affection." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "But I have heard all that you have heard." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Did he not advertise?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the States. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for asked. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Come in!" said he. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Can I be of assistance?" him nearly every evening." all?" door?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Only as much as we can deduce." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "An enemy?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." skylight. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should written, and locked the door of the office after me. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of your young ladies.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be over his head with a sweet womanly caress. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the side-table." cigar and let me expound." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's