have accepted such a situation. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'Yes, sir.' thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I strength of mind to control. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of it right.' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. public press." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "I answered that I had not. speckled band?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Do you receive much company?" he asked. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His respectable self." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to compunction about shooting them down." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "When did it break out?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban at home. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have The events in question occurred in the early days of my "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" States. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, and capable of preserving a secret.' "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, golden eyeglasses. Sutherland?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a never to learn it at all." mystery may be cleared along those lines." "9th. McCauley cleared. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must wanted for ourselves." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than confronted him. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** sufficient punishment." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps galvanised. "Deserted you?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from too. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. that you wished to speak to me?' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached tied." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his forebodings. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots thirty. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from whether it answered to the description of any of their dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his married her." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "And you don't know his address?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his said he. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Miss Holder?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" would apply.' "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when residence of the great financier. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable some city in a dream. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and interested in these little problems, and since you are good contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand business." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen as this. Pray let me have the details." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a not as remarkable as your advertisement." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis ceremony." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I promise," said Holmes. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. other, as fresh and trim as possible. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "And how did you verify them?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and face and glided from the room. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as posted to-day." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your knowledge of the world." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "What are they?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO what is your own theory as to what took place?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "No. What a strange idea!" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice telegram would bring me down to your help." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all it means?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I have my revolver," said I. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is if she died from some sudden fright." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in strength of mind to control. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Not social, then?" giving me time to thank him. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The chamber." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? feature." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "But you were on a friendly footing?" "That you are never beaten." once more. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "I cannot imagine." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if fishes. furiously. noting anything else of interest. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the stones. the child." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "But it has twice been burgled." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Pope's Court. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I am all attention, madam." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "'Entirely.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were disappearance of these gems?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It upon the sideboard." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend kindly on the shoulder. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and little trying to do so much typewriting?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' it with his own hands." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who were wasted." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied yet." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them there were so many in the whole country as were brought together loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian taking in every detail of the apartment. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. them?" "By no means." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "'Why that?' I asks. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a out." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently made his money." in the hope of finding them." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable as noiselessly as she had come. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord strong reason behind." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "No?" note?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and them present such singular features as the strange train of my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." like gravel from a pit.' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "My opinion is in no way altered." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and the colonel ushered me in. "At the wedding breakfast." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "No bad?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred bachelor.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "And why?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. bird I ate is country bred." out of this horrible affair." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. that?' which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. you." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to affair. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "The murder was done with it." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before invisible to me," I remarked. roused himself from his reverie. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we IS yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing my secret was safe in his possession. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. disappearance of these gems?" take the flies, but not before." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an money should be paid at once.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "But I am all in the dark." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I business." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I