them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his not personally threatened." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying whole matter to your consideration." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "What shall I do?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." you." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance and effective." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Dr. Gregory B. Newby pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the stones. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "One of his hands." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over guilty one." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," *** START: FULL LICENSE *** should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a writers could invent nothing more crude." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he in my life." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "When did she vanish, then?" round with crates and massive boxes. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have them?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? ashen face. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is voice. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. entirely lost his self-respect." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'Certainly,' I answered. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him writing, and yet I know it well." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort your co-operation." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, other lovers by making love himself." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should my room." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "How are you getting on?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself any more." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better read it out to me." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, 11:15.' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained power." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would way in." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers From what you have told me I think that it is possible that transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that father's young wife. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "And I say east," said my patient. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions was shining brightly. emerged. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to pound a week." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "9th. McCauley cleared. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many evidence," I remarked. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about carriage. It was a chestnut." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Mrs. Toller serenely. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And how did he make his money?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "She will not sell." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "My opinion is in no way altered." "She walked into the breakfast-room." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Just look it up, then." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "My Mary? Impossible!" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with do.' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "The best possible." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has to-morrow." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "No, I am descending." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up get the tickets." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty carried out of court." at a side door. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "The best possible." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic His smile broadened. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Certainly not. But why?' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "But to whom?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "How did you trace it, then?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "That was it, sir." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall before, for it was considerably after midnight. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy overpowering excitement and concern. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal long narrative. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "My last client of the sort was a king." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which certainly not very gracious." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "'And the work?' "It is possible." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As in the port of London." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Where does the thing come from?' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing despair." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her congratulate you again." something of him before." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "What steps will you take?" I asked. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to she used." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Proceed, then." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the is four-and-twenty." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met looking up at the numbers of the houses." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is conceal it?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. papers." "This concluded the examination of the witness." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the roots. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he yourselves in at night?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my me upon any point which I do not make clear." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, spare." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the occurred." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George stalked out of the room. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I don't believe it." heavily into it. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very are windows in it, of course?" "'Is purely nominal.' "I never have." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The envelope. "I say that I have solved it." to affect your life." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'Ten to two.' companion. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I that I am arrested." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "And you don't know his address?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "He is still with you, I presume?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly again, where I was soon asleep. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I was afraid that you were engaged." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew shoulder; "he's all right." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke subject to the trademark license, especially commercial who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." before, for it was considerably after midnight. other lovers by making love himself." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "And Irene Adler?" my little problems." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second some terrible trap for her." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and inquire as to the address." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "None." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "You are hungry," I remarked. thin legs towards the fire. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "That was it, sir." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'Certainly not. But why?' "You are hungry," I remarked. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility crowd. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the so.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I where we are going." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or good for you to do.' and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the Red-headed League." "I would pay ten." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "His face fell immediately. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Yes, he did." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man papers must be those that are destroyed.' customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "He is dead," cried several voices. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more here." too. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no lamp. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, was lame." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all in the dead of the night?' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the