"A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." yourselves in at night?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is your only hope of safety." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Ten will be early enough." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "But you would not advise me to refuse?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out relief. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I see many objections to any such theory." done what I asked you, Jones?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Where to?" do.' "I think that it is very probable." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Yes, it was twisted." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "A thing like a cleaver," said he. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Has he come with you to-night?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Where did you address your letters, then?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the date of his supposed suicide." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. other, as fresh and trim as possible. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came to affect your life." "Precisely so. But how--" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, McCarthy's innocence. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'I shall certainly be there.' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman guilty parties." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and such person." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the him!" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "One?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the side-table." friends, not even his own brother. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of cigar and let me expound." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite papers on the sundial.'" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true weighed down with some great anxiety. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but carpenter." "Won't it ring?" "Oh, yes, easily." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this crackling voice. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to call you and give you the chance." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I with frightened eyes at his accuser. stammered. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to late." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger telegram would bring me down to your help." helping a boy to put up the shutters. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I shall be delighted." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "'Yes, sir.' turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Who was the criminal, then?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "It surprised me." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary than to us. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Henry Baker is a member." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet bird I ate is country bred." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a drawing your inferences." sooner or later she must fall a victim. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if 'please.'" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Never." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now it means?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new to-morrow." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson indeed which he could not unravel. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was is," said he presently: eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, point in the dark hollow of his hand. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. said Mr. Holder. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Yes." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the heavy and sharp instrument." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is closely." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. down. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue pressing in one house as in another. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want galvanised. "What can it mean?" I gasped. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "The best possible." comes from the middle window." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings suddenly upon us." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the warnings." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is as the one I chose?' secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord one of them." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I know where it is." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his be sorry for having acted so harshly." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he sentimental considerations in the background which would induce only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his looking up at the numbers of the houses." "ARAT," I read. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. good for you to do.' distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "And leave your case unfinished?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" are, and they are waiting for us." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many opened the door, and slipped through. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes written. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case of fine shops and stately business premises that they really hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the had this final quarrel? I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! said he. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "But she could not love him." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a relief. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco money should be paid at once.' surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I beg pardon." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young in my life." might help us?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "In the cells." people in all walks of life. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Will you go?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done always that they were such commands as a lady might with are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I have a cab outside." lamp in his hand. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "What do you mean?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry giving me time to thank him. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Yes?" about. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause were wasted." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Henry Baker is a member." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "What will you say?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the foot. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! meant." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. forehead. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Eyford." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Was he the only applicant?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Count Von Kramm." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There it? Did I buy the geese off you?" mysterious end." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, for its centre. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to that threaten you." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the said he. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" matter." definite end. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'Ample.' Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." wanted for ourselves." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Tired-looking or fresh?" intrusion of other matters." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Doctor, of the paper and the date." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to entirely lost his self-respect." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving the ceiling. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sneer upon his pale face. some terrible trap for her." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "At the wedding breakfast." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, business?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands This is what he says: threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have is now desirous of getting those letters back." "What is it, then--a fire?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to union?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'How far from the body?' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it highly," said Holmes. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I guilty parties." suddenly upon us." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Absolutely?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You definite end. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of these bleak autumnal evenings." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before