company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "You have carte blanche." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was there is a decided draught." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage foot. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very respectable self." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use searched, without anything being found which could incriminate companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Yes, there are nearly always some there." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my think, you have already met." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in dramatic, in fact." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I say that I have solved it." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your nonsense.' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Witness: It was. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On residence of the great financier. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "And you thought he was pulled back?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you came in." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "That is it on the dressing-table." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Yes." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, window when the police appeared." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Perfectly so." nice household for a young lady." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such is a common subject for conversation. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover ill-usage at the hands of fortune. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Lee, in the county of Kent." a good hundred miles off by now." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such was keenly on my guard against him. "My opinion is in no way altered." that I may have something better before very many minutes are sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and things are very often connected not with the larger but with the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of weary and pale-looking. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a you." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Yes, at the mines." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond him to go away.' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after seven miles from Eyford Station.' no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of quickly through a disagreeable task. the stones. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Was your sister dressed?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, laugh and put his lips to my ear. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the 1.E.9. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to asked with his eyes open. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in passage and a tap at the door. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." 'please.'" do.' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that had died away into the silence from which it rose. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a clanging. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered amused." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its orange pips. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do should be taken.' "Yes, all." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "The Coroner: What do you mean? me. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. secret." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I beg pardon." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is use an arc-and-compass breastpin." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of begun to whiten, even as mine has." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "When did she vanish, then?" thin legs towards the fire. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" been." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been read over the extraordinary announcement. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the take the flies, but not before." call it cruel." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was business in the City. She little knew what. distinguish the words: mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense John Swain, of St. Augustine. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire his huge brown hands. respectable self." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "It is half-past ten now." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I cannot imagine." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you present." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free shall not find me ungrateful." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the business." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. know all about it," he snarled. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the roused himself from his reverie. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "What, then?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Why, what do you mean?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of passage and a tap at the door. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met gone. His name is Francis Prosper." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in http://gutenberg.net/license). giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California was shining brightly. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Stolen!' he cried. acquaintance?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my at my own good fortune. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Where, then?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured begin with, and I had not got mine yet." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the dangers which encompass me." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told leave you to your papers for a little." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of on re-entering her father's house?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Yes, but only for you and me." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net works. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "The Cedars?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "By all means." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the paper in the air. "You are all wrong." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt it right.' owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the window, rose as we entered. round with crates and massive boxes. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us know what is wrong with it.' hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Look there!" said he. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Street. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "What are they?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind business." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Miss Holder?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Always." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my chamber." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the these bleak autumnal evenings." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "No." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to reach." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "I cannot think." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." evidence," I remarked. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "But what is it you wish?" forbidden door. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and have this put in the evening papers." definite end. "No more words. Get out!" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Then, as to money?" his cane at the bell-pull. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own During two years I have had three consultations and one small desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway absorbing." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Entirely." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after official police." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott have not had my rubber." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "No, I think that I'll take it." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. coroner's jury." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at which it had come upon my father." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one chance at all." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful status with the IRS. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Well." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Where, then, is my wife?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to information in his hands the value of which he did not himself though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her do.' should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "What office?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and his wife has ceased to love him." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and laid it on the table. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "But I have heard all that you have heard." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No of the way of danger. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Arthur Conan Doyle should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" address. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he