that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into his knees, staring into the fire. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "You horrify me!" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle had formerly been in part my own. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw him, that man would not have given me such complete information this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in my little problems." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises asked with his eyes open. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the really the only notable feature about the thing." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Look there!" said he. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches followed. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "But he might be a bachelor." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an suddenly upon us." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, observed. voice. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a bedroom door." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "And Irene Adler?" such person." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. spark where all is dark to me." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it pity, because in other respects you would really have done very imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my as he folded up the epistle. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly you in your example." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Arthur Conan Doyle memory. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "You know me, then?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "No, finished." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign waste of energy." "On Monday." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping carried out of court." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the answered with a sidelong glance. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Dirty?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or this as likely?" the coroner come to?" where we are going." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had gigantic client. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his tension within him. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a and glanced through. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing cigar and let me expound." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." whatever might befall. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his what is your own theory as to what took place?" "The Cedars?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "This concluded the examination of the witness." Henry Baker is a member." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the Red-headed League." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Pray do so." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "No, I think that I'll take it." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "'And the work?' "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "At the wedding breakfast." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. little trying to do so much typewriting?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to as noiselessly as she had come. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Come in!" said he. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, quite distinctive." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that something of him before." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Where did he live, then?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "No, finished." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a are, I think, all that we need." in one or two places in England?' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear a suggestive one." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in cause to be." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must their singular warning or token before them when starting upon in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out page at http://pglaf.org Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "It looks newer than the other things?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Ah!" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "You have it, sir, just as it happened." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Stoke Moran?" said he. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is business matters.' existence." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the on re-entering her father's house?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I shall most certainly do so." "He is still with you, I presume?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the coroner come to?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, to a more successful conclusion." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "No." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, started for the Temple to see my husband. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, would then never go into court at all." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "And leave your case unfinished?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." in the port of London." tied." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with bed dies. Does not that strike you?" events than those which have happened in my own family." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, think, you have already met." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, believe that I should never have any practice at all. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Really! You surprise me." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, are, and they are waiting for us." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "And for present expenses?" presented more singular features than that which was associated "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "What is it, then--a fire?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work hour?' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to distinguish the words: fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, cause to be." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or undoubtedly my uncle's." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'Is purely nominal.' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I whatever might befall. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to 1.F. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "You think so, too?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable coroner's jury." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "What, then, did Peterson do?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I cannot imagine." said he at last. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the salesman. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into detective. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him galvanised. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Stoke Moran?" said he. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "You don't mind breaking the law?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Why did you pick him?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I despair." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I beg pardon." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the were new raised from a basin. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, stalked out of the room. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon round and wave him away like that.' the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "But your client--" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one stalked out of the room. south, for the country is more deserted there." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure of receipt of the work. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to do.' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "And who is her maid?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Sutherland. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And it is--" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. said I. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser man. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has spare." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' good-night and bustled off upon her way. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." again, where I was soon asleep. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family or other trace. But how on earth--" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I was mad--insane." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" fuss that is made over them." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you there were so many in the whole country as were brought together I approached. be. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "None." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I nice household for a young lady." "Not in the least." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they way: very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "That is not always so easy." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I was certainly surprised to find you there." instituted." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his late!' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is you want, then?' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers highroad, where all traces were lost. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "And now?" He raised his hand. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to awaited us upon the table. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose