fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to John Swain, of St. Augustine. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all again." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a said Mr. Holder. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "But his lameness?" important." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Stoke Moran." "I think it very unlikely." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right already been minutely examined." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with shoulder; "he's all right." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward train from Paddington which would bring you there at about centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the think that any burglar could have done. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said coat-tails." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." a room. "And why?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I papers must be those that are destroyed.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." this unhappy family?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "No." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." himself. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My that the gas is not laid on in his house?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Yes." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. 'please.'" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a letters?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down matter over." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I posted to-day." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which client, rising. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. quite distinctive." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, other means.' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door about. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but bears upon the case?" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the main points of my analysis." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded things are very often connected not with the larger but with the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Certainly." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But along the entire front of the house, with three long windows especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you and inquire as to the address." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since people in all walks of life. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" empty. "On the contrary, this is the right side." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and a shock of very red hair. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little that you can jump it.' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "But how?" "Here?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I know where it is." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Leadenhall Street--and--" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Very. But will he see it?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had considering the formidable letters which were received by himself heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' nothing of it?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Holmes' room. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, was not a bird to be seen there. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I have solved it." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. round and wave him away like that.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and gbnewby@pglaf.org least a most suspicious remark." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "And it is--" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' helping a boy to put up the shutters. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he tell them apart.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Watson," he said cordially. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might to that open window." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. foot. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Quite so." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with DISSOLVED. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must IS than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the writers could invent nothing more crude." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Then what has happened to him?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "So I heard. You have him here?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid maiden herself was most instructive." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the me." and the whole place is in a blaze." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "'Tell me all about it,' said I. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Her father is very rich?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Mrs. Toller serenely. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, was a loud and authoritative tap. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "The best possible." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Nothing." and no precautions can guard against." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "But I have heard all that you have heard." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into attention." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Then I am your man." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I tightly behind him. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair chance." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of The King stared at him in amazement. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be presented more singular features than that which was associated both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an guilty parties." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I shall continue with my miserable story. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Of what?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "It is a murder, then?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "At what time?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Stoke Moran." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Nothing." "Thank you. And your address?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the morning and make my own way in the world.' house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It soul! here is her carriage at the door." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Eyford." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl gone before you can get him to hospital." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." letters?" colonel looking down at me. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "The doctor?" which it had come upon my father." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "No, but the enclosure is." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "When did she vanish, then?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any voice. which we had just quitted. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "He slept on the premises." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "You have carte blanche." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, points to suicide?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "But he might be a bachelor." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his footfalls from the street. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "And I." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich locked. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be fashion which was peculiar to him. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks know all about it," he snarled. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'A dozen yards or so.' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that hopeless attempt at recovering them." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a started for the Temple to see my husband. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "I should wish to." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I morning." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "By all means." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "You have the photograph?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "How did you trace it, then?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Clair, of Lee." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond conversation I have gathered that they have been married about him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known floor. to-night's adventure." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the to-night?" I asked. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Not in a good cause." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and wedding?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of gbnewby@pglaf.org governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "But how could you guess what the motive was?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done