burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what sound at heart." the driver. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be papers must be those that are destroyed.' relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened was feeling which was the fattest.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until trifles." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by forecastle of an emigrant ship. For additional contact information: and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'Why that?' I asks. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Arthur Conan Doyle commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to wedding?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'I am sure if I had known--' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused returning from some small jollification and was making his way you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my use an arc-and-compass breastpin." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at guilty parties." visitors." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, rat could hardly pass through." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." go--none." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right with you alone." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as notes," he said. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very information in his hands the value of which he did not himself main points of my analysis." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Pray continue your narrative." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, here and I will read it to you: photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He could not account in any way for the presence of the missing society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "I shall be delighted." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the bonnet, and went out." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." is so. I know all about McCarthy." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he generous with you in money matters.' "I am still in the dark." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week in. other, as fresh and trim as possible. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Quite so." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I have solved it." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well be.' his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this him and tried to hold him back. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Game for a morning drive?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in locked." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the of the vacancies.' is so. I know all about McCarthy." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, will he say when he returns?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the was shining brightly. business at Coburg Square is serious." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too fasten all the windows?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "No. What a strange idea!" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "He is still with you, I presume?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'No, I know no one in these parts.' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Come in!" said Holmes. "Yes." begun to whiten, even as mine has." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the and the colonel ushered me in. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his which was all perfectly true. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "So I am. Very much so." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "I have seen the police." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "And from a noble client?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Do you go out much in society?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'What do you call purely nominal?' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Then you may be so with me." "Where did he live, then?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "One?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more absorbing." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'I am sure if I had known--' "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. I nodded to show that I had heard. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing cigars in the box." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Have you her photograph?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "But his lameness?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this recall any case within my experience which looked at the first God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'Never.' he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. and have this put in the evening papers." nonsense.' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Then you may be so with me." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to enter into my head. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Well." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he arrested. You then--" gbnewby@pglaf.org his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. coroner's jury." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I off." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'As governess?' hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young overpowering excitement and concern. that there was nothing in it, after all." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "It is very clear." "But she could not love him." "Did your wife hear all this?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Not in the least." of your young ladies.' "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Deserted you?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Have you it here?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end assist you in forming an opinion." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." in a very precise fashion." you." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to hour." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at your most interesting statement." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Come in!" said he. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money you give your casting vote to?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. hand, madam?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton was a lad." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may intrusion of other matters." answer." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with experiences." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' present." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. whereabouts. 11:15.' poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a will be renamed. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "But how did you gain them?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Dr. Becher's." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining me upon any point which I do not make clear." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'I have heard so.' fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "How did he come?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "To an end?" "I think that it is very probable." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you upon the white wrist. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you this as likely?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of is so. I know all about McCarthy." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that cigars in their mouths. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and looked back. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when or other trace. But how on earth--" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the more solid." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway hardly wander." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon to talk it over. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "And it is--" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "9th. McCauley cleared. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the not as remarkable as your advertisement." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which introspective fashion. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or that hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY that he has suffered." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and of the way of danger. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." them present such singular features as the strange train of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a sneer upon his pale face. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "One of the highest in England." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project fashion which was peculiar to him. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my noting anything else of interest. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. father's young wife. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father case before our client came into the room." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. call for it in person on Monday morning.' Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, mystery." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had