and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little observed. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover problems help me to do so." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "She showed me, as I told you she would." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you flock.' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "But she could not love him." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a means taking possession of that which another person has a prior constraint." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "What?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "My photograph." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase some terrible trap for her." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Is he quiet?" "Did you observe the colour?" for the market.' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." our word." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "How many? I don't know." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'Entirely.' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, matter." colour had been driven from his face. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We place no limit on the sum I may draw." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "It certainly sounds feasible." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has four million human beings all jostling each other within the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "What can it mean?" I gasped. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at good for you to do.' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I know where it is." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I have hopes." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "In the cells." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'What, the red-headed man?' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend on in his house." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Then how many are there?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' had died away into the silence from which it rose. Street. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, of the one which your family is now devouring." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a is four-and-twenty." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads might have a private word with us. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest yet." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "But what harm can there be in that?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Miss Holder?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, delighted to hear it," he said. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. garden below. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "I fear not." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush lamp in his hand. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Yes." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted better in every way that they should make their position a little time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, fluttered off among the others. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the this as likely?" This is what he says: "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." existence." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "He is still with you, I presume?" "But his lameness?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Yes, certainly." south, for the country is more deserted there." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "And I." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "And when will you call?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "And your mother is alive?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Nothing." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several corner of the building. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given crackling voice. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included it with his own hands." chance at all." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'A dozen yards or so.' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind lost nothing by them." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most one of the states of the Union." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The that before taking the final step I should like to submit the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. asked. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up chair. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in too. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us arms and began to sob in a high treble key. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in outside." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and once more for Briony Lodge. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the roots. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how recover the gem." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were this poor creature." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Bought." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now yet." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the running down." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not breakfast and whispered something to her husband. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of asked. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which down. "What have you to say now?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We help us in this matter." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone joking. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "What shall I do?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant bedroom door." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I have it here in my museum." "The knees of his trousers." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "My dear Holmes!" "To the police?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "You will not go there first?" nice household for a young lady." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing generous with you in money matters.' "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'Which dealer's?' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a his eyes and forehead. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was roused himself from his reverie. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands fact, we may call it conclusive." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just words came to my lips. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the back to my heart. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my unclasping of his long thin hands. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "The best possible." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "That is also quite modern," said the lady. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? together. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "He might." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to families. Now for the facts. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." electronic works hard-headed British jury." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "By all means." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather The events in question occurred in the early days of my his knees, staring into the fire. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "It was." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Witness: Nothing definite. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, one which it was hard to resist. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my carried out of court." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him weigh very heavily upon my conscience." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I am armed." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I cannot as yet see any connection." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'Certainly not.' death." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty throat." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "In answer to an advertisement." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" infinite languor in his face. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand page at http://pglaf.org unclasping of his long thin hands. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. thought that she would have been so carried away." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. there when the Rucastles went away." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and DISSOLVED. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway allusion to a rat. article?" "Your presence might be invaluable." "Eh? What was that?" "I am armed." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "An accident, I presume?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our of his shoulders. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Have you good authority for what you say?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been fire. You quite follow me?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the I held the little printed slip to the light. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or of the way of danger. "No." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Did you observe the colour?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of just called myself is not exactly my own." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest