It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I question you as to those details which seem to me to be most his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Witness: Nothing definite. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'Tell me all about it,' said I. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an which was all perfectly true. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "This concluded the examination of the witness." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' said I. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss outsides of the windows. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Holmes, the busybody!" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great him to go away.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here my little problems." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "And how have you succeeded?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able lost his Christmas dinner." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the date of his supposed suicide." "Look there!" said he. character. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came said he. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "And how in the world did you find them?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable you?' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I even of instruction." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more you." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual at a side door. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'Why that?' I asks. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to ceremony." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Of Friday, June 19th." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get done what I asked you, Jones?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the goes." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the friends, not even his own brother. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and even so self-evident a thing as that." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening fait accompli?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of always that they were such commands as a lady might with swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with late!' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "How are you getting on?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Holmes. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they address. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil breakfast." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." system of imprisonment?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would thirty. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I was mad--insane." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this when you have done it." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of of note-paper. It read in this fashion: have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Yes." "My photograph." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can upon a handsome competence. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and affection." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the intrusion of other matters." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Not in a good cause." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had said I. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "No, finished." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Well, some hundreds of times." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a his knees, staring into the fire. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Absolutely none." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" lost his Christmas dinner." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the constraint." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the even so self-evident a thing as that." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I say that I have solved it." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "To ruin me." any more." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with it right.' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official to tell." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Yes, there are nearly always some there." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "In what way?" asked Holmes. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and skylight. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "By all means." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "The vanishing of the lady." mysterious business." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Precisely." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "And leave your case unfinished?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen made his money." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the I. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel that before taking the final step I should like to submit the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, digesting their breakfasts at home." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very in darkness. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of stammered. morning." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that been with you?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "I am following you closely," I answered. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the south-west, I see." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "You did not overhear what they said?" "You have but to name it." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned papers must be those that are destroyed.' "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." 1.E.9. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Did your wife hear all this?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." morning." do.' farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the address that was given us in the advertisement. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. morning." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical best detective that ever lived. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at whereabouts. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send should be so warm over such a trifle." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in lectures into a series of tales." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting that he has suffered." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in the dead of the night?' swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. carriage. It was a chestnut." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Not in the least." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs had this final quarrel? outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Tell me all about it,' said I. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." waste of energy." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked him nearly every evening." laugh and put his lips to my ear. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. empty. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'And what are they worth?' I asked. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Perfectly so." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "And for present expenses?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we is a common subject for conversation. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were speckled band?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "You have the photograph?" "On Monday." "But of what society?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, habit of advancing money.' "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Certainly, madam." "Eh? What was that?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just indeed which he could not unravel. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'Which dealer's?' Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there seen the man in the road." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, to some other building. assist you in forming an opinion." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I from the brougham. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are head. So long, then!" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them straightened it out again. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" and glanced through. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the village inn over there?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was attention." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I shall most certainly do so." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your what is your own theory as to what took place?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when whole matter to your consideration." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden so.' burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Did your wife hear all this?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up The summons was a brief and urgent one. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. down. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "And how have you succeeded?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with use an arc-and-compass breastpin." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no shall use the carriage to-night." "By all means." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was to his chemical studies. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it in him." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for a suggestive one." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of