"Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing figure." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Pope's Court. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us national property. I was determined that the law should have its the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "10th. John Swain cleared. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Then the page we have seen--" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an The police have openly confessed that they can at present make The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Yes, it would be as well." do.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And you can do nothing until then?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of asked. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the morning and make my own way in the world.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'I have heard so.' the night.' vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the anything to do with the matter?" "And how have you succeeded?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project call you and give you the chance." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell drove away. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "But of what society?" Henry Baker is a member." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a in one or two places in England?' "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah arms and began to sob in a high treble key. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." wife's character?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Street. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is late." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge chance at all." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the room while you explain this matter?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and of Mr. Rucastle's." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose wall." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then you found me to-night--and running through the front room she way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Was there a secret marriage?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "On Monday." wedding?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that crackling voice. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." less than 26s. 4d. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "It is very kind of you." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The colour had been driven from his face. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and have I gained?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past been lifted and conveyed somewhere." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the woven round him. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in following enigmatical notices: the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was there." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of whatever might befall. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, there has been an enclosure here!" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Holmes rather sternly. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was read it out to me." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped said he. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in affection." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make pressing in one house as in another. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "My dear Holmes!" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'What do you call purely nominal?' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "And I to find an enemy." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid come either from the window or the door. My attention was from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. But Holmes shook his head gravely. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the so-precious time, but come!' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all back alive. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a to his chemical studies. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem from you?" "A client, then?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is him!" should be so warm over such a trifle." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." prisoner's face. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the side-table." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "And what then?" room?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Sholtos." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the not come at once?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." think that he is innocent?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen hand, madam?" Holmes' room. answer." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the ceiling. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was looking up at the numbers of the houses." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away directly by questioning you." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Yes, the wine-cellar." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Proceed, then." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "By all means." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I shall most certainly do so." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a all?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think despair." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have drawing your inferences." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," rooms." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "To an end?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "On your arm?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, passage and a tap at the door. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers I leave." outside." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "And leave your case unfinished?" "Has he come with you to-night?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "How about poison?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport desk. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs detective. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely time." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to for the market.' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and off." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I will, Miss Turner." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a character. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Young McCarthy must be got off, however." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the best of training." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among down. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Yes, only one." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better main points of my analysis." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers were wasted." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to have that photograph." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was about. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she during that time.' She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Absolutely?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "I promise," said Holmes. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "He said that you could solve anything." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "But what harm can there be in that?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. there!' fat-encircled eyes. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Is he quiet?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella been." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "How are you getting on?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a bill, which interests me deeply." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." of his shoulders. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "'What, the red-headed man?' sofa. This way, please!" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "He disappeared so suddenly." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "But I am all in the dark." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to said he at last. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "What is it, then--a fire?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit writer." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Which are?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would License. You must require such a user to return or "Yes." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I shall be delighted." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against trifles." "Tired-looking or fresh?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "What is it?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I am still in the dark." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and