not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a strong and stiff." think that he is innocent?" "I don't believe it." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "I will get her to show me." "Yes, that is the Crown." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the amused." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the little opening for the ventilator is." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the running down." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "No." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, had this final quarrel? was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some were unconscious?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the salesman. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I promise," said Holmes. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his have got?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'Ten to two.' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Surrey." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. which we had just quitted. points to suicide?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas guilty one." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands of a light. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'Is purely nominal.' "They are typewritten," I remarked. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the address that was given us in the advertisement. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the general public were present, then?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Foundation her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of very morning of my second wedding." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his me, and I could not think that his explanation of the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Entirely." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his she has been waylaid. There has been no result." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I peculiar to him. as this. Pray let me have the details." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "No." "You horrify me." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "What steps will you take?" I asked. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "And how did you find out?" the station." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me side. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "You have but to name it." "One?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until thought that she would have been so carried away." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Then how many are there?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. said he. the nursery. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Absolutely none." ways of our fellow-men." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not this as likely?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. formed some opinion?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Where did he live, then?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I would give my fortune to have them back." the salesman. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be galvanised. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "And you don't know his address?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day as the one I chose?' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the inner apartment." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the coronet at all injured?" a very grave face. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I call the police, let the police find what they can.' dear old homesteads?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "An enemy?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely because she had spent so short a time in this country that she 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa new duties?' them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'Oh, no.' tell me that you intended to go into harness." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" said I. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our I held the little printed slip to the light. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." IS drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was down. you give your casting vote to?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating appeal." "You horrify me!" Sholtos." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "No, my brougham is waiting." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I assure you that I am in your hands." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of John Swain, of St. Augustine. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "What then?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I she to prove their authenticity?" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a you in yours." "And when will you call?" the dangers which encompass me." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most telegram would bring me down to your help." against a man in the prime of life?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Very. But will he see it?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, have I gained?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I cannot imagine." the devil!" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "None." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "How can you tell that?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if that would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue events, Mr. Windibank!" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty do.' law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. discontent upon his features. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "But she could not love him." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "You think so, too?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "No." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition matter." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "No, my brougham is waiting." "Why serious?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Leadenhall Street--and--" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "It came here." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather considering the formidable letters which were received by himself rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the wall." status with the IRS. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Yes." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so enough to aid us in our search." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his and that he would see to anything that turned up. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "What! a murderous attack?" thin legs towards the fire. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "My dear Holmes!" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Deserted you?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They heavily into it. for securing the situation." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "To ruin me." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Yes." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by said I. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no allusion to a rat. flock.' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I experiences." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that must compliment you." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Witness: Nothing definite. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the case-book, which he consulted. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was his eyes and forehead. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "And you don't know his address?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards outside. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the union?" constraint." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off ventilator." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "What do you mean?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Dr. Gregory B. Newby severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from never will be, entirely cleared up. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any sufficient punishment." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the to miss it." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I are, and they are waiting for us." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece