insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," where Mr. Fordham shows you.' my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "It was a confession," I ejaculated. good-night and bustled off upon her way. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole I approached. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. already been minutely examined." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, developed." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But matter." fact, we may call it conclusive." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. of the way of danger. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the bottom.' dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." at once, for I have only half an hour." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "It's nothing of the kind." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of visitors." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Holmes' face clouded over. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in not interfere, come what may. You understand?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money you?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior do.' lips." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "And leave your case unfinished?" "So it appears." humiliation." the matter?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that not personally threatened." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "What of the rat, then?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY papers." pound a week." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming was it brought him the coronet? "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I would pay ten." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I beg pardon." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I am about to be married." the running down." your billet.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "No, but the enclosure is." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little villagers almost as much as their master. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I was afraid that you were engaged." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some these bleak autumnal evenings." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between present strange and interesting features that it is no easy lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'About the same.' papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I am in hopes that she does." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a affair. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you and glanced through. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "What!" he roared. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered help us in this matter." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has may never be exposed to such a temptation." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'Is 4 pounds a week.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I cannot imagine." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could events than those which have happened in my own family." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "He is still with you, I presume?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "You are hungry," I remarked. one's self under obligations.' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. notes," he said. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking you?' "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, his fortune, and I went back to pa. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and locked. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Dr. Gregory B. Newby the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some you came in." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I will, Miss Turner." and a shock of very red hair. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding with some details as to your case." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It is a murder, then?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw future lives." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his to tackle the facts." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "What will you do, then?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just someone who had been in Australia." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. was used.' "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I am sure." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded 1.E.9. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Yes, only one." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Not in a good cause." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "So I have heard." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain delighted to hear it," he said. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all least a fellow-countryman. mysterious end." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich about here speaks of his kindness to him." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case over part of the map. "What do you read?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "We must have a cab." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the loss of it. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "No, my brougham is waiting." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up already been minutely examined." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "What are they?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point to Leatherhead. me what he had done with the three missing stones. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Murdered?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather back to my heart. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have fluttered off among the others. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for legal crime." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well, it is a possible supposition." read it out to me." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed You can understand that this register and diary may implicate after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, was it brought him the coronet? "I cannot tell." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; begun to whiten, even as mine has." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "On the contrary, this is the right side." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only The note was undated, and without either signature or address. keep the flames under. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a families. Now for the facts. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "But not more so than I to find you." the coroner come to?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this eat it." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "What, then, did Peterson do?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "It must be recovered." Farm upon the left." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, think that any burglar could have done. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his in the hope of finding them." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son go--none." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Then I do not see the point." "Entirely." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The what these perils are?" Munro.' "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and me where it went to?" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'Certainly not.' "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Really! You surprise me." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor his forehead." the inquest, and which are worth considering." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, dates and names. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my started for the Temple to see my husband. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque desk. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less three fields round his house, and there he would take his trying to your nerves." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. them?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they how narrow had been my escape. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." congratulate you again." bell. Holmes whistled. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "When did it break out?" of Mr. Rucastle's." never to learn it at all." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town McCarthy's innocence. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "9th. McCauley cleared. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the stepfather?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some place of silver." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the address that was given us in the advertisement. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have light and attacked it." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Watson," he said cordially. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped think you a quite exceptional woman." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the answered with a sidelong glance. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You the very letters. But what is this written above them?' heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'Yes, sir.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'Yes, it was gone.' from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "How often?" "Witness: Nothing definite. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She