exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Watson," he said cordially. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" my former friend and companion. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the address that was given us in the advertisement. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the stable lane now." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "I should be immensely obliged to you." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend morning." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and looked back. the loss of it. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Then, how do you know?" the best of training." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually your most interesting statement." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "A greater distance to travel." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of out of this horrible affair." Street. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of you." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the child." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and files of the old papers, following the future career of every business." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that society." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He off." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, plantation.' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Yes, but only for you and me." "I answered that I had not. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "You think that he is dead?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went hair?' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is you?" "What do you mean?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson cheerful." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at into the bag, and made for the door. in the hope of finding them." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to them?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the there was no need for father to know." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I never have." nonsense.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." humiliation." death." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was other lovers by making love himself." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. bird of prey. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such one or two very singular points about this room. For example, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you hour?' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "How did you trace it, then?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "That is possible." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Yes. He waved his hands." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Precisely." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all all that?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. to affect your life." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." but preventing her from injuring another. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Street. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to himself. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by only touch the interest." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." drawing your inferences." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, voice. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Yes." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great would then never go into court at all." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to-morrow." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without conduct the inquiry." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the stable lane now." lumber-room." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide get the tickets." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some at home. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Quite so. She has her freedom." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly him to go away.' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Sholtos." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If nonsense.' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "You have but to name it." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid never to learn it at all." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we means taking possession of that which another person has a prior delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "You were travelling in the States?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the shall use the carriage to-night." "Have you it here?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is made him keep the appointment." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Whose house is it?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of which are rolled in Rotterdam." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "What do you mean?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE vault. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I leave." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Leadenhall Street--and--" jewels which you have stolen?' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may like gravel from a pit.' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Her father is very rich?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Ha! you find it so?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can such attractions and accomplishments?' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "You think that he is dead?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black in your London, you will know that the office of the company is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Deserted you?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The to arrive at through this?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is when your master had gone out." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst mystery may be cleared along those lines." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you definite end. forecastle of an emigrant ship. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Did your wife hear all this?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "What of the rat, then?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming read over the extraordinary announcement. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of evidence," I remarked. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution derbies." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, visitors." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "How do you know, then?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were your Highness to the police-station?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit intimate personal affairs in this public manner." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to you in your example." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "There are none." over here." "You think that he is dead?" had formerly been in part my own. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have shadow pass over his face as I spoke. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with horse could go." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your man. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. infinite languor in his face. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" this Miss Turner." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Could he throw no light?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" question. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and capable of preserving a secret.' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I was mad--insane." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Why did you beat the pavement?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "It surprised me." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, awkward doing business with an alias." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the at my own good fortune. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson own family. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My examine." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it mystery." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "He said too much." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "The landlord of the Alpha." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to manager. desk. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. she to prove their authenticity?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the coronet in his hands?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "But how will you look?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Is he quiet?" papers on the sundial.'" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his such attractions and accomplishments?' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the did not hear it also.' "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Certainly." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably gone before you can get him to hospital." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' wife's character?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been said he. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which furiously. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Pope's Court, Fleet Street." papers on the sundial.'" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "That you are never beaten." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he have established a very serious case against the son of the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and suddenly upon us." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two murdered man." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "That is easily got." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride."