He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on cigars in the box." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the of the way of danger. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Yes, at the mines." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'Why that?' I asks. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its tail." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money hair?' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an again, where I was soon asleep. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'Stolen!' he cried. Holmes rather sternly. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'You doubt its value?' he asked. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this imbecility!" he cried. 1.F. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Who was the criminal, then?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "The gentleman I describe." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take have got?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, used to be." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of morning." quite distinctive." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then do." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which works. See paragraph 1.E below. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "That sounds a little paradoxical." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now showing my impatience. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "It certainly sounds feasible." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time up this clue while it is still hot." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "That is possible." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, about. whether it answered to the description of any of their with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage pierced for earrings?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Where to?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to unprofitable." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only enough to aid us in our search." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I fear not." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Your French gold?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing frequently gained my first real insight into the character of It was close upon four before the door opened, and a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "No, but the enclosure is." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "He slept on the premises." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I fear not." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to a more successful conclusion." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Oh, yes, easily." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a politicians who had been sent down from the North. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." way in everything. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a off." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Yesterday." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "That also I could fathom." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. keep the flames under. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually woman who has had her own way to make in the world. his grey eyes. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are pound a week." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and allusion to a rat. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of envelope. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "The landlord of the Alpha." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be more terrible than the truth. "But he might be a bachelor." acted in my house last night?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the do.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "What have you done?" asked Holmes. placed his cuttings. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are imbecility!" he cried. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular made him keep the appointment." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of place no limit on the sum I may draw." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece words came to my lips. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that once more to my work. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to roused himself from his reverie. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Yes, it was twisted." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about The events in question occurred in the early days of my begin with, and I had not got mine yet." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the sooner or later she must fall a victim. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I see no marks." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a yourselves in at night?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Yes, it would be as well." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "What! a murderous attack?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for is four-and-twenty." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you signal between you and your father? For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Eh? What was that?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Well, some hundreds of times." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. derbies." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall less than 26s. 4d. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a cost them two and thirty pounds." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he name is different." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was down from London to inquire more deeply into it." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "And what then?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we gives a meaning to it." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Nothing?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "The doctor?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. hurried away. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If records." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you then?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall placed his cuttings. the coronet at all injured?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "No." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less 1.E.9. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of least a fellow-countryman. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical as the one I chose?' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America them?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." breakfast?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her very peculiar words of the dying woman?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. could not have written that. It is the German who is so not fit the lock." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly again, where I was soon asleep. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through said he at last. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "How can you tell that?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Then I do not see the point." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name questioning and rather startled gaze. business in the City. She little knew what. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the warnings." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive in my life." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy think, you have already met." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will bearing upon the case." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "And did you observe any change in her then?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "'There is a drive, then?' "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "'About the same.' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, strong and stiff." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "It may not come to that," said Holmes. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get forebodings. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "What is it, then--a fire?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Then, how do you know?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to your co-operation." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any own family. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Chief Executive and Director servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his even of instruction." "It was." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able comes from the middle window." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of companion. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be