his fortune, and I went back to pa. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to upon the white wrist. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I would give my fortune to have them back." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. cost them two and thirty pounds." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" spare." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the nursery. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of later, upon the night of May 2nd." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. other lovers by making love himself." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "What, then?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Will you bet, then?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "None." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather advice." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in may never be exposed to such a temptation." "My stepfather's business papers." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a be best to do. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in fled together." Pope's Court. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "But who is he?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the coronet at all injured?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn you?' roused himself from his reverie. rat could hardly pass through." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And lost nothing by them." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards four million human beings all jostling each other within the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from and inquire as to the address." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Watson," he said cordially. "Nothing." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have nothing with him." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat figure." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the second window is the one that I jumped from." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly your only hope of safety." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. relief. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the that he will be back before evening." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not touch that coronet?' Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand locked. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in pierced for earrings?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said tightly behind him. "What do you mean?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a wedding?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. be.' downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were very peculiar words of the dying woman?" again, where I was soon asleep. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who country, and eventually married, without anyone having a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I would pay ten." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." excitement. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and chance at all." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed of his shoulders. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "My stepfather's business papers." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Yesterday." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to impression behind it as though a window had gently closed forebodings. residence of the great financier. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I again on its way. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for been." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves conduct the inquiry." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the appeal." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I I am not easy in my mind about them." man. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between me what he had done with the three missing stones. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those existence." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and cigars in the box." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose all-comprehensive glances. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied was already answered. memory. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the south-west, I see." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his really the only notable feature about the thing." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of I nodded to show that I had heard. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after any more." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We of fine shops and stately business premises that they really this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "No." said I. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the tragedy. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded at a side door. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Upon what point?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Clair, of Lee." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of will he say when he returns?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "At what time?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. I nodded again. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King on in his house." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, least a most suspicious remark." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about weighed down with some great anxiety. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other along the entire front of the house, with three long windows to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she foresight and the moral retrogression?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot night.' said he. clanging. into the room. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." system of imprisonment?" hour." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Why did you beat the pavement?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some call the police, let the police find what they can.' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would she might be summoned. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "What!" he roared. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now investigation." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his a few minutes he said that it would be all right. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." waste of energy." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the here." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney written, and locked the door of the office after me. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune shoulder; "he's all right." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. tell him that I know him to be innocent." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some assist you in forming an opinion." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. depend upon your compliance." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her an introduction to him?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and inquire as to the address." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these in. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this congratulate you again." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself murdered man." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a you?' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Nothing." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I fear not." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Just look it up, then." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very yet." floor. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Very truly yours, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he I think that I could be of assistance to you." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Then I shall certainly come." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I are, I think, all that we need." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense of the one which your family is now devouring." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where emerged. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's examine." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "We were both in the photograph." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Your presence might be invaluable." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have which we had just quitted. voice. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." 'please.'" down. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Then the page we have seen--" "Yes." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely reach." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. client, rising. companion. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always some water from a caraffe. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "How did that help you?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and wait." been with you?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the burst out into a roar of laughter. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the said he. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an colonel looking down at me. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?"