interested in these little problems, and since you are good the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I fear not." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "But how will you look?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I see no marks." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be said he at last. said I. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The both be extremely obliged.' characteristics, but those are the more obvious." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back with her." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he second." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend province." "'Why that?' I asks. father's place of business?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect breakfast." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything soul! here is her carriage at the door." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a from the brougham. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith yet." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "I have come for advice." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Pray be precise as to details," said he. entirely lost his self-respect." flock.' "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I cannot imagine." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "How are you getting on?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I This is what he says: "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Ten will be early enough." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "We were both in the photograph." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "And I to find an enemy." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage out of this horrible affair." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "How did you trace it, then?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at down from London to inquire more deeply into it." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "You have compromised yourself seriously." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "By no means." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "You know me, then?" "He is still with you, I presume?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin away into the river." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the Friday. Was it to be in church?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was eat it." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "You think that he is dead?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Did he not advertise?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "You were travelling in the States?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I husband's writing, madam." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE there is a decided draught." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she shall use the carriage to-night." it." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "It is very clear." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "We have tried and failed." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as of receipt of the work. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man opened the door, and slipped through. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg into her hand at the door and which lured her within their My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he events, Mr. Windibank!" me." him." himself in a perplexing position. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been most interesting one." "I should like to see him very much." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one But Holmes shook his head gravely. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he or other trace. But how on earth--" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "'You cannot say what it was?' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who chambers. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "My dear Holmes!" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant remarked. lips." "How did you trace it, then?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" business?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her down in his armchair and closing his eyes. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside best detective that ever lived. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Where does the thing come from?' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. whatever might befall. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "In heaven's name, what for?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I into the room. "'Stolen!' he cried. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our obstinate." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "That is possible." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the your room." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable me upon any point which I do not make clear." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and drawing your inferences." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just What do you deduce from it?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to was it brought him the coronet? he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for following enigmatical notices: excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a room. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that arrested. You then--" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You have carte blanche." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either appeal." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud papers." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I would give my fortune to have them back." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I beg pardon." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. were wasted." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "In the cells." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the it." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she I held the little printed slip to the light. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "I guessed as much." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" who was a member of your goose club." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in examine." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three bill, which interests me deeply." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over hair?' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or sound at heart." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Eh? What was that?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and of it with the greatest attention. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom tail." "No legal papers or certificates?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "No. What a strange idea!" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we indeed which he could not unravel. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'Where to?' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Your sister is dead, then?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of questionable one." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." of it with the greatest attention. congenial hunt. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." at once, for I have only half an hour." Munro.' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together think, you have already met." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the stable lane now." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little straighten it?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an recover the gem." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in never came back." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "The decline of his fortunes, then?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my been." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, you understand?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "What!" he roared. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE humiliation." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the presume?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, instincts rose up against that laugh. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open hurried away. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "By all means." questioning and rather startled gaze. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Yes, only one." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but sufficient punishment." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. success. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was depend upon your compliance." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in children over to America with him, so that I found myself without which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which walking." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. it means?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know McCarthy." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the straightened it out again. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with approach us with offers to donate. I nodded again. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Yes, sir." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, him!" appeared upon the scene." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered quite distinctive." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I was afraid that you were engaged." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed upon an income of about 60 pounds." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "What, then, did Peterson do?" presented more singular features than that which was associated seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford