horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the used to be." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it definite end. will take you up to see the machine.' point in the dark hollow of his hand. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, feature." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of returning from some small jollification and was making his way round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." question," said Holmes, smiling. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I spark where all is dark to me." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I there in twenty minutes." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his electronic works very peculiar words of the dying woman?" she used." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until fact, we may call it conclusive." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Pray be precise as to details," said he. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "'Certainly not.' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'Where could I find him?' papers on the sundial.'" looking up at the numbers of the houses." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Was he the only applicant?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." question. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see The King stared at him in amazement. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "But the mystery?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is persecution?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: bled considerably." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when delirious. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "What will you say?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. assist you in forming an opinion." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Yes, sir." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Yes, certainly." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the My friend smiled. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." if only as a check to my own memory." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not must compliment you." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Munro.' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party status with the IRS. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most hurried by. against a man in the prime of life?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" you for a few hours?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and I shall be with you presently." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "'Where could I find him?' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found and the colonel ushered me in. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Here?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "You think so, too?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, started for the Temple to see my husband. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Nothing." I nodded to show that I had heard. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Could he throw no light?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at trifles." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could out." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "No." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Miss Holder?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "In the cells." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety you in yours." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. people in all walks of life. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Then I am your man." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "You think that he is dead?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added fear." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the served to weaken the effect. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "But of what society?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have taking in every detail of the apartment. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, could gather together that I was able to avert another public not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Yes." "What do you make of that, Watson?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when galvanised. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Not in the least." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon she used." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of it with the greatest attention. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our during which he might have communicated with his friend the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me brought there to personate someone, and the real person is bedroom door." than to us. advice." of a light. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. upon the white wrist. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, sparkled upon his finger. had picked up in the wood. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a you?' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I beg pardon." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to placed his cuttings. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. what these perils are?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and strong reason behind." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his that he will be back before evening." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "But he might be a bachelor." "'Oh, no.' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. occupations.' answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful guilty one." undoubtedly my uncle's." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," national property. I was determined that the law should have its "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "But what will you do?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily these bleak autumnal evenings." the Assizes." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had since then to throw any light upon what became of him." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I have hopes." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up noting anything else of interest. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "It was a confession," I ejaculated. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the room while you explain this matter?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" have established a very serious case against the son of the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw long narrative. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have less than 26s. 4d. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "No. What a strange idea!" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included absolutely follow my advice in every respect." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was other lovers by making love himself." which was all perfectly true. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would it were putty." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start tapping his fingers upon the table. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Farm upon the left." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and train.' present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the general public were present, then?" "Yes. He waved his hands." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make extraordinary contortions. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently said I. "Witness: It was. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Perfectly so." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for back to my heart. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each this as likely?" "'Stolen!' he cried. and wait." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a from the brougham. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in make me his representative both with the servants and with the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Mrs. Toller serenely. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "And on what day did he meet his death?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact is worth.' matters immensely." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "That was it, sir." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "And your father? Did you tell him?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "An accident, I presume?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Never to return." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "It is a murder, then?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and no precautions can guard against." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was disappearance of the bride.'" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was