While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she and laid it on the table. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly to tackle the facts." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her here." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as go from here to the Strand." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "How often?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "And you don't know his address?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "I came to find a friend." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my on re-entering her father's house?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the not as remarkable as your advertisement." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, families. Now for the facts. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "You are certainly joking, Holmes." night.' said he. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "In the cells." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor and a shock of very red hair. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Did you observe the colour?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'Yes, sir.' treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "None." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Then he might have called to you?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master nonsense.' Chief Executive and Director down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had my special province." "Did your wife hear all this?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which had died away into the silence from which it rose. hurried away. nights." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him confronted him. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the she to prove their authenticity?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment forbidden door. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been imbecility!" he cried. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly there were one or two details which were new to me. But the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "But how?" the general public were present, then?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I cannot say that I have." she used." was not a bird to be seen there. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off me. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked information in his hands the value of which he did not himself guilty one." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, stammered. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'In my own bureau.' "No." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "But how did you gain them?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and bears upon the case?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." there in twenty minutes." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be little trying to do so much typewriting?" delirious. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Entirely." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I am to be neutral?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go carriage. It was a chestnut." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my clang of the bell. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the following enigmatical notices: agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources she used." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving is entirely a question of barometric pressure." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Pool. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. your most interesting statement." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "One of the highest in England." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a cheerful." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the and your relations to her." "Murdered?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "What shall I do?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "To an end?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. so far?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "'I am sure that I do not know.' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "And leave your case unfinished?" been with you?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Sutherland?" in him." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather point in the dark hollow of his hand. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the morning and make my own way in the world.' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her leave you to your papers for a little." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir was the fact that his father should, according to his account, indeed happy." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Perhaps I have." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Then, as to money?" delirious. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked upon the sideboard." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Dirty?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. speckled band?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at into the room. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Yes." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled strode off upon his way. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. both be extremely obliged.' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began best detective that ever lived. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." was a lad." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. derbies." there was no need for father to know." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "No, I had a dozen." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "'Ten to two.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Leadenhall Street--and--" Foundation upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in the port of London." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." mystery!" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "How often?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you dear old homesteads?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. http://www.gutenberg.net and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the used to be." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I think that it is very probable." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Why? What do you mean?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "No." said I. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was one of them." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet pressing in one house as in another. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an him nearly every evening." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that if I call to-morrow?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "It is half-past ten now." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from I nodded to show that I had heard. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. bearing upon the case." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Not yet." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is fishes. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." matter." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Just look it up, then." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place hopeless attempt at recovering them." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." ran thus: at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this better grown goose." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. money should be paid at once.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the be. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Nothing." him to go away.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to signal between you and your father? "No?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of forecastle of an emigrant ship. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth strength." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "My dear Holmes!" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and the whole place is in a blaze." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." as he folded up the epistle. for securing the situation." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I came to find a friend." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Stolen, then." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on tell me that you intended to go into harness." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late must be when I saw the door open.' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "I never have." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, that you can jump it.' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" me have 200 pounds?'