helping a boy to put up the shutters. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in to a more successful conclusion." "You don't mind breaking the law?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the night.' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of it means?" in the dead of the night?' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "About a month then." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big weapon." business matters.' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Yes, but only for you and me." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." to-night?" I asked. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "This concluded the examination of the witness." memory. "'Where could I find him?' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "10th. John Swain cleared. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" my special province." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' several quiet little villages up there." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a to-night?" I asked. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Holmes' face clouded over. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the keep the flames under. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "On the contrary, this is the right side." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, placed his cuttings. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Leave Paddington by the 11:15." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding views." drawing your inferences." "Can I be of assistance?" which was all perfectly true. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. orange pips. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "It's nothing of the kind." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we me have 200 pounds?' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Pray let us have it, for all that." more solid." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, such person." "But you can know nothing of this?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss she has been waylaid. There has been no result." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained fact, we may call it conclusive." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind exactly what you advise." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they made his money." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional have been better. It is all right." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled which are rolled in Rotterdam." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Perhaps I have." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is written. "Yes." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "'Ample.' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "But how will you look?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" you understand?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider where Mr. Fordham shows you.' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Witness: It was. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Whose house is it?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "You don't mind breaking the law?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found of the vacancies.' turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah article?" His smile broadened. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH forebodings. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable gentleman's clothes. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with will take you up to see the machine.' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that even of instruction." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Was she in good spirits?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in which we had just quitted. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without for the market.' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the good-night and bustled off upon her way. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and stepfather?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes, that is the Crown." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in voice, changing her seat as requested. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. more terrible than the truth. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Game for a morning drive?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'What, the red-headed man?' "What! Had he lost his wife?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "The vanishing of the lady." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. fashion which was peculiar to him. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the pressing in one house as in another. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "What shall I do?" bachelor.' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the man. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the bachelor.' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe entirely devoid of interest." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "And now?" I asked. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the bottom.' leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the closely." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" constraint." beyond words. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which place of silver." matter." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us forbidden door. redistribution. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "And now?" He raised his hand. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "We must have a cab." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like definite end. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the to change my dress. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her that threaten you." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, hardly wander." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to official police." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Yes, only one." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was I nodded again. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And who is her maid?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. did not hear it also.' to affect your life." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's has little to do with my story." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "No good news?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "No sign of it?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project away to you." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you he died? edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the matter." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second this poor creature." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "This concluded the examination of the witness." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your had no one to advise her at such a crisis." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the stable lane now." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the danger is over." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Yes." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no sit on the left-hand side of the driver." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the King without delay." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a skylight. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if have had none more fantastic than this." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland sooner or later she must fall a victim. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said was a loud and authoritative tap. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. allusion to a rat. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely even of instruction." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "But who is he?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am The events in question occurred in the early days of my passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I see no marks." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, forbidden door. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your open." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible shadow pass over his face as I spoke. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "But it has twice been burgled." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any through." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "But I am all in the dark." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Nothing?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me fear." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." fattened it expressly for you.' brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I cannot as yet see any connection." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "That is unusual in a young girl." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the sake, don't!" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside rat could hardly pass through." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Pray tell us what has happened to you." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique ago." "Certainly." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say open." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Very much so." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?"