red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did conversation I have gathered that they have been married about it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to opened the door, and slipped through. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical round and wave him away like that.' in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "An enemy?" very old mansion. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "It is his hat." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Imitated." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather which was all perfectly true. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Have you good authority for what you say?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable plantation.' Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless away in different directions, and I went off to make my own have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the never will be, entirely cleared up. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the strength in the others." man. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I am in hopes that she does." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable what is your own theory as to what took place?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to my little problems." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "'As governess?' acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Was your sister dressed?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had you." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "What office?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his mystery may be cleared along those lines." This is what he says: With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Your French gold?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' ceremony." could not have written that. It is the German who is so away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and I shall be with you presently." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I assure you that I am in your hands." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at my secret was safe in his possession. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "It is a murder, then?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." least a most suspicious remark." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the stable lane now." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "My photograph." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his father's young wife. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Precisely." "Oh, fresh and glossy." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in not interfere, come what may. You understand?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "His face fell immediately. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Awake, Watson?" he asked. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., girl said." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "What steps will you take?" I asked. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the 1.E.9. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Of Friday, June 19th." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It is his hat." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "At half-wages, in fact." investigation." manager. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City forecastle of an emigrant ship. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they it with his own hands." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "And help." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'Oh, no.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to nothing with him." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'And the work?' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "There are none." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under redistribution. row." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "That is unusual in a young girl." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is You want to know what became of those geese?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Serpentine Avenue. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the be sorry for having acted so harshly." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "But I am all in the dark." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds be.' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his know what is wrong with it.' sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "A client, then?" speckled band?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that away into the river." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Leave Paddington by the 11:15." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort a little more before I quite committed myself. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective that I am arrested." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already over with notes and figures. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are soul! here is her carriage at the door." redistribution. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three http://gutenberg.net/license). last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Where is it, then?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Lee, in the county of Kent." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "'In my own bureau.' "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we might help us?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic people in all walks of life. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of all-comprehensive glances. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "What of the rat, then?" "'About the same.' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his your troubles." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest colonel looking down at me. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an next day. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "The vanishing of the lady." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had again on its way. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution of fine shops and stately business premises that they really gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Henry Baker is a member." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Not in the least." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on to change my dress. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace do.' should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "No. What a strange idea!" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I considering the formidable letters which were received by himself characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his recover the gem." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I think it very unlikely." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, populous neighbourhood." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Yes, that is the Crown." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses was used.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "And why?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly clang of the bell. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "In answer to an advertisement." had died away into the silence from which it rose. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I should wish to." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the strong and stiff." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "But not more so than I to find you." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "You know me, then?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Game for a morning drive?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the vanished into the darkness. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his said Mr. Holder. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. present." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "But what is it you wish?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the his knees, staring into the fire. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Here?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged with the outside air!" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a point in the dark hollow of his hand. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You have compromised yourself seriously." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His that he will be back before evening." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "What! You do not mean bodies?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, village inn over there?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel said I. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five