"Yes, sir." "Dark enough and sinister enough." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Married! When?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both http://gutenberg.net/license). a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but distinguish the words: "It came here." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else chill to my heart. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that been." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "My Mary? Impossible!" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. in his power. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid your Highness to the police-station?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other hair?' at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the enter Dr. Roylott's room." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began lost his Christmas dinner." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, my little problems." "Is he quiet?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" until night should bring an explanation. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked of this gang." the coronet at all injured?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to your equipment. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "No, I think that I'll take it." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I was certainly surprised to find you there." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project kindly on the shoulder. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you so far?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the warnings." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no second window is the one that I jumped from." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Not in a good cause." forebodings. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my bled considerably." appointment with me for six o'clock?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a such attractions and accomplishments?' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. four million human beings all jostling each other within the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Nearly eleven." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two conduct the inquiry." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "If so, much may have happened between." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Was your sister dressed?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I am in hopes that she does." "And what then?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of himself to hunt down. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the main points of my analysis." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. it means?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "But his left-handedness." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Street. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the your room." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not way in everything. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of I leave." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I guessed as much." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune whereabouts. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet secret." had formerly been in part my own. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "And how did you find out?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Yes." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her mystery." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Holmes. "No, my brougham is waiting." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Just look it up, then." think you a quite exceptional woman." "You have a clue?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "He said that you could solve anything." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she could not have written that. It is the German who is so When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes in my life." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly better in every way that they should make their position a little brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Your sister is dead, then?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had before the coroner and the police-court." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love gives a meaning to it." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better remarked. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this populous neighbourhood." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Then what has happened to him?" "I never have." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon his face which made him a very different person to the round, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Not yet." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "And why in hopes?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right get the tickets." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," think you a quite exceptional woman." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the is," said he presently: "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and his face which made him a very different person to the round, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all will find little credit to be gained out of this case." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By outside. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But of what society?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a returning from some small jollification and was making his way The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah for the market.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some three of the beryls in it, was missing. "No." face and glided from the room. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is that I can to serve you." "Never to return." lectures into a series of tales." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the inner apartment." fattened it expressly for you.' her also." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and to that open window." constraint." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." out of this horrible affair." your only hope of safety." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'And what salary do you ask?' which are rolled in Rotterdam." Eyford." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer children over to America with him, so that I found myself without It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "No, I think that I'll take it." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "That is not always so easy." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up you, my dear young lady?' "I came to find a friend." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem without success. At last the little money which I had saved began which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "But the mystery?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Certainly." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, all?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Where could I find him?' "That also I could fathom." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ what is your own theory as to what took place?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the nothing of it?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Why, what do you mean?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but both be extremely obliged.' address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left was feeling which was the fattest.' all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural that Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers tied." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out back to my heart. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be late!' bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my opened a pocket-book and took out a note. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "And why?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight some city in a dream. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, returned to France?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite upon the shelf for the interim." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me bell. Holmes whistled. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "What have you to say now?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it events than those which have happened in my own family." straightened it out again. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from that I can to serve you." "Why, what do you mean?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Absolutely none." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have conversation I have gathered that they have been married about absorbing." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated purpose equally well?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Yes." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he empty. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society yards of it?' "What! You do not mean bodies?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and been with you?" problems help me to do so." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "The decline of his fortunes, then?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the key turn in the lock." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and instincts rose up against that laugh. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," least a fellow-countryman.