suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door of this gang." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "And I." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "He said that you could solve anything." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not of his shoulders. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I said he. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "I guessed as much." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in you give your casting vote to?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "How did you deduce the select?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged him, that man would not have given me such complete information body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Witness: It was. the general public were present, then?" confronted him. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he character. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. ran thus: beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. leave you to your papers for a little." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Street. ready to-morrow?' "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" McCarthy's innocence. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "That is it on the dressing-table." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in not come at once?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "On your arm?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see answer." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Not in the least." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room think that he is innocent?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Miss Holder?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his me have 200 pounds?' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, with you?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "And I to find an enemy." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best it? Did I buy the geese off you?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with he bowed and left the room without another word. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight he died? to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at sit on the left-hand side of the driver." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Where did he live, then?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "And why?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he observed. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it held up the lantern and gazed about him. you." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the a little more before I quite committed myself. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the thought that she would have been so carried away." "Where, then, is my wife?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look hands. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found bachelor.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It is very clear." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, amused." as noiselessly as she had come. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, you in your example." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if begin with, and I had not got mine yet." during which he might have communicated with his friend the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which tell them apart.' anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "We have tried and failed." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what do you make of it all?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in the hope of finding them." appointment with me for six o'clock?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he extraordinary contortions. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Yes, all." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "But what will you do?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said society." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Holmes, the busybody!" I held the little printed slip to the light. the bottom.' narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Never." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. posted to-day." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right speckled band?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I that threaten you." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel power." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington written, and locked the door of the office after me. secret." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "And why?" "Then, how do you know?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was were wasted." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens present." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and purpose of examination. your most interesting statement." "But how did you gain them?" hour?' drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Miss Holder?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously enter into my head. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "What then?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one cost them two and thirty pounds." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a daring than any effort of the imagination." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was possible that we could bring him back to her? morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Holmes rather sternly. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Yes." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Murdered?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Eyford at 11:15.' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but conduct the inquiry." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, you do it in twenty minutes!' "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way have not had my rubber." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' it were putty." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "The rest you will leave in our hands." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Was your sister dressed?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: threw himself down with his face to the pillow. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the salesman. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is future lives." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become will find little credit to be gained out of this case." like gravel from a pit.' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Won't it ring?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "None." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Precisely." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'A dozen yards or so.' soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we emerged. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this me have 200 pounds?' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with not interfere, come what may. You understand?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "When did it break out?" the stable lane now." outbreak?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in had this final quarrel? were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "What have you to say now?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who trifles." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." back to my heart. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "What!" he roared. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Well?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had I. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I it." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another papers on the sundial.'" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide during that time.' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "How are you getting on?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the that reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there presented more singular features than that which was associated place, I think that there is good ground to think that the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a be best to do. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I green of the new foliage. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Perhaps we may make them less so." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Surrey." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "And your father? Did you tell him?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Sutherland. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Deserted you?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "My private note-paper." "9th. McCauley cleared. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, get the tickets." "Yes." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Well, it is a possible supposition." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." true." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to