tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "9th. McCauley cleared. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Pray do so." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the village inn over there?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Yes, certainly." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! gone. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "No, my brougham is waiting." "Is he quiet?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "What?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out intrusion of other matters." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Pray do so." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "He might." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened happened." results." "It is solved." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'I shall certainly be there.' know that the truth is known." amused." off." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied past. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "And is that all?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit perplexity from it to my illustrious client. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon fuss that is made over them." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those for its centre. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly as he folded up the epistle. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "BALLARAT." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Not yet." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever she to prove their authenticity?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Do you know him?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue entirely lost his self-respect." asked. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the address that was given us in the advertisement. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now passage and a tap at the door. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many populous neighbourhood." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, to-night's adventure." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire himself to tell his story. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Was your sister dressed?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and guilty parties." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing habit of advancing money.' Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Seven!" I answered. astonishment. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture way in everything. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "How are you getting on?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "He might." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "A greater distance to travel." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I shall most certainly do so." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in my special province." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent experiences." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "When did it break out?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Leave Paddington by the 11:15." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Holmes' face clouded over. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "I have hopes." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Holmes' thin, eager face. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money indiscretion." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with so.' form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" again." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect like gravel from a pit.' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "What then?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'Yes.' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" over here." or in danger--" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was mysterious end." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. redistribution. with frightened eyes at his accuser. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from been anything against him. He had for years been known as a foresight and the moral retrogression?" annoyance, but no jest. Henry Baker is a member." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Look there!" said he. second window is the one that I jumped from." as this. Pray let me have the details." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this ceremony." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too pressing in one house as in another. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "And what then?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' in darkness. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "And why?" over here." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Pray let us have it, for all that." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the inner apartment." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From that there was nothing in it, after all." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to so far?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "And what did you see?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" you do it in twenty minutes!' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the station." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall do." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the Assizes." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "You have but to name it." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." it." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will joking. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "What shall I do?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out page at http://pglaf.org horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress trying to your nerves." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. that he has suffered." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Texas, I think." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. quickly through a disagreeable task. congenial hunt. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must said Mr. Holder. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our against a man in the prime of life?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a to-morrow." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." of." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to cheerful." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. minor matters until to-morrow." drove away. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the vault. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should go from here to the Strand." placed his cuttings. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while helping a boy to put up the shutters. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always place, I think that there is good ground to think that the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Have you it here?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great went to the Alpha were town bred." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Nothing." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I do." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Not him." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, directors, with the result that you have seen." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no been." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no some place of shelter and let the county police know what has made his money." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my wall." "I cannot say that I have." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "And how in the world did you find them?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." man. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand of your young ladies.' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which was used.' a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. you want, then?' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by cheerful." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that weapon." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Leadenhall Street--and--" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now vague figure huddled up in the darkness. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the retorted upon me, and I on you." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain but preventing her from injuring another. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "And the cigar-holder?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped The telegram which we eventually received came late one night memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Very well, sir. And this stone?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to people don't know." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my on re-entering her father's house?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Yes, only one." "Thank you. And your address?" into the room. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. good-night and bustled off upon her way. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "And when will you call?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Where does the thing come from?' to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge questionable one." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'Is purely nominal.' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from lumber-room." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do see me here to avoid scandal." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Then how many are there?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country in a friendly supper." "And on what day did he meet his death?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all