even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Pope's Court. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "It was an hour's good drive." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "The best possible." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "No, distinctly professional." always that they were such commands as a lady might with this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police very morning of my second wedding." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a for securing the situation." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one what do you think they found in the pockets?" it." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Yes. He waved his hands." "Nothing." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I must compliment you." "But his left-handedness." "'Never.' "What! You do not mean bodies?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Frequently." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Just look it up, then." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." charged with?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" instincts rose up against that laugh. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice writers could invent nothing more crude." the one as in the other." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "I don't believe it." in the port of London." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "My opinion is in no way altered." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window point our research must commence, and we will begin it by upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure examine." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now horse could go." that you wished to speak to me?' "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "But he might be a bachelor." was it brought him the coronet? "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your will take you up to see the machine.' situation." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "The gentleman I describe." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a more solid." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Yes, at the mines." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'Yes, sir.' "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as mystery may be cleared along those lines." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE it right.' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'I am sure if I had known--' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the salesman. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed points in connection with it which never have been, and probably father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to outbreak?" "The knees of his trousers." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "How long did she speak to this Alice?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. what is your own theory as to what took place?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something into the bag, and made for the door. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the she might be summoned. not come at once?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old strength of mind to control. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the dangers which encompass me." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid locked." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his maid will bring up your coffee." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" correct than the official force." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I think that I had better go, Holmes." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. me have 200 pounds?' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "A greater distance to travel." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the chance at all." fat-encircled eyes. "Never." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had License. You must require such a user to return or of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is and it need not interfere very much with one's other being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "And on what day did he meet his death?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "No sign of it?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she fattened it expressly for you.' "The vanishing of the lady." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "If I can be of use." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with your most interesting statement." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Nothing." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? to a light-house. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy less than 26s. 4d. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "What is it, then--a fire?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a once more. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." this man was intellectual?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom and I shall be with you presently." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But his forehead." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "My dear Holmes!" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the name is different." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten woven round him. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Your presence might be invaluable." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything must be when I saw the door open.' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "But to whom?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." but preventing her from injuring another. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were make me his representative both with the servants and with the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." following enigmatical notices: Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and our word." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort My friend smiled. there was no need for father to know." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door sit on the left-hand side of the driver." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "But I am all in the dark." "Could he throw no light?" status with the IRS. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "It is true that I have been generally successful." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay train from Paddington which would bring you there at about of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two definite end. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "By no means." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You think so, too?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I should wish to." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed success. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which geese which you supplied to the Alpha." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in be.' would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive matter over." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may tassel actually lying upon the pillow. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred so.' "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Then you may entirely rely on me." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Was your sister dressed?" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was straighten it?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said mystery!" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Dr. Becher's." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." colour had been driven from his face. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "No?" like that before?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save awaited us upon the table. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat figure." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon distinguish the words: journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have help us in this matter." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an said he, "my real name is James Ryder." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, your bag." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned sparkled upon his finger. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since photograph?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I burst out into a roar of laughter. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Yes, certainly." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and I shall be with you presently." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Won't it ring?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the stable lane now." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to crackling voice. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose a very grave face. "Where to?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. answered with a sidelong glance. death." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "What?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "And did you observe any change in her then?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Well." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "No." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger ran thus: snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Well, it is a possible supposition." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no