"'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "That is not always so easy." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or this as likely?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six interest. They are important, you understand, without being stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk said he. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman rose-bushes. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "What I expected to see." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly plantation.' "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "And on what day did he meet his death?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, money should be paid at once.' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "And is that all?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of it." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which take the flies, but not before." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "It is no ordinary one." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she a very grave face. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long upon the sideboard." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To towards the blaze. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and your relations to her." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa highroad, where all traces were lost. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots face and glided from the room. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? What do you deduce from it?" official police." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, me what he had done with the three missing stones. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little The telegram which we eventually received came late one night us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six it. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Yes, at the mines." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for wanted for ourselves." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "That is not always so easy." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. at home. and the colonel ushered me in. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless man. I know him from the photograph." to change my dress. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the morning and make my own way in the world.' key turn in the lock." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One The events in question occurred in the early days of my these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The manager. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "One horse?" interjected Holmes. locked." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she strong and stiff." "Of Friday, June 19th." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "What is it, then--a fire?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I of campaign. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' where we are going." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are vanished into the darkness. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated instincts rose up against that laugh. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "How on earth--" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I warn you that they are very incomplete." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Then the page we have seen--" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that help us in this matter." a room. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very since then to throw any light upon what became of him." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it vanished into the darkness. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Your presence might be invaluable." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a himself to hunt down. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "And how in the world did you find them?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, them?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and put his glass in his pocket. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'In my own bureau.' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "And your mother is alive?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in for the market.' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a lectures into a series of tales." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the if I call to-morrow?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a some mystery and the punishment of some crime." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Stoke Moran?" said he. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the generous with you in money matters.' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen following enigmatical notices: permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, fear." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to was a lad." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, tapping his fingers upon the table. "My own seal." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." correct than the official force." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "How long did she speak to this Alice?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal delighted to hear it," he said. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am back into the street. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to forehead. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Not yet." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "You have carte blanche." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Eyford." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the coronet at all injured?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil amused." prepare for the new role I have to play." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "But you can know nothing of this?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I cannot tell." there is a decided draught." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Always." "No." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any meant it for the best. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you he died? in one or two places in England?' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "What?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the tied." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told even so self-evident a thing as that." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the business at Coburg Square is serious." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had papers on the sundial.'" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions woman." "Why did you pick him?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the very letters. But what is this written above them?' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Yes." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon felt?" his knees, staring into the fire. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Eyford at 11:15.' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I am armed." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you just called myself is not exactly my own." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a have I gained?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling I have it here in my museum." crime. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "That was it, sir." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the I shall continue with my miserable story. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "But how?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "I have hopes." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather way: will he say when he returns?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and really the only notable feature about the thing." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the your most interesting statement." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been his eyes and forehead. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "That is it on the dressing-table." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian green of the new foliage. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I would pay ten." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Holmes. "She walked into the breakfast-room." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a this remarkable episode. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "She showed me, as I told you she would." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "So I am. Very much so." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Farm upon the left." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is know that the truth is known." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I am sure." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I see no marks." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with should be taken.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I never have." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind with her." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring."