shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "It's nothing of the kind." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "What! You do not mean bodies?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham searched, without anything being found which could incriminate explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed His smile broadened. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Where does the thing come from?' which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Only as much as we can deduce." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when me where it went to?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER disappearance of these gems?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project way in." comes from the middle window." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "What are they?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near absorbing." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it some terrible trap for her." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against her also." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I cannot think." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the with you alone." leaning back in his chair. visitors." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but have an American origin." to a light-house. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned hurried away. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Of Friday, June 19th." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Why? What do you mean?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the Assizes." papers must be those that are destroyed.' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. could go. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "On your arm?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to prison!" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must considering the formidable letters which were received by himself that you wished to speak to me?' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known have one." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "But I have heard all that you have heard." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far might help us?" "Holmes, the busybody!" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "So I have heard." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with characteristics, but those are the more obvious." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both nonsense.' the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. as he folded up the epistle. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of spare." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a know what is wrong with it.' out of this horrible affair." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I cannot think." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." that you can jump it.' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I have a cab outside." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The are windows in it, of course?" showing my impatience. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." certainly do as you advise." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square must compliment you." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I would pay ten." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. chill to my heart. Literary Archive Foundation the ceiling. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Which dealer's?' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "The knees of his trousers." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" any." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, morning." Henry Baker is a member." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for country, and eventually married, without anyone having a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, this remarkable episode. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "You have it, sir, just as it happened." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told ventilator." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. is four-and-twenty." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the criminal. We have already had experience of such." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and posted to-day." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly infinite languor in his face. crackling voice. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the roots. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the matter?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the nursery. entirely devoid of interest." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, like that before?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with outside." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not through." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "No. What a strange idea!" excitement. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son bled considerably." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his a little more before I quite committed myself. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "But what harm can there be in that?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your carried out of court." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper to arrive at through this?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with think, you have already met." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. one else, I think." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "My private note-paper." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house business." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "What can you not understand?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in this truth that in these little records of our cases which you A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Not in the least." papers." trying to your nerves." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'Yes, I promise.' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are if only as a check to my own memory." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to used to be." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Here?" meant it for the best. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Holmes' face clouded over. status with the IRS. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' observed. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated developed." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "But he might be a bachelor." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off room?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point answer." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "And your mother is alive?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "My Mary? Impossible!" as he folded up the epistle. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Who by?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "How on earth--" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added my former friend and companion. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "When did she vanish, then?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'I have heard so.' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the house with me." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." out." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other fluttered off among the others. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and meanly of me." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." notes," he said. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Pray do so." "Seven!" I answered. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say showing my impatience. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the matter?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the foresight and the moral retrogression?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he brought there to personate someone, and the real person is entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned how narrow had been my escape. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. with you?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I am sure." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "His face fell immediately. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "No, thank goodness, she did not." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the