bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Now, then, what's the last entry?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. other lovers by making love himself." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' you in your example." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his from the brougham. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Then, how do you know?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did sound at heart." "You are hungry," I remarked. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our think that any burglar could have done. than was visible to me." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Holmes' face clouded over. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Very murderous indeed." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Nothing." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "No." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly made him keep the appointment." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. notes," he said. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'As governess?' Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second it right.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that bedroom door." off." "That was it, sir." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing one of the states of the Union." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible less than 26s. 4d. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "By train from Waterloo." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport you came in." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. of your young ladies.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "None." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered if she died from some sudden fright." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, comes from the middle window." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "What will you do, then?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always to take care of herself." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which there was no need for father to know." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident if I call to-morrow?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, into the bag, and made for the door. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some secret." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" disappearance of these gems?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small bonnet, and went out." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit make me his representative both with the servants and with the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real must compliment you." never will be, entirely cleared up. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Yes, sir.' not personally threatened." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "An accident, I presume?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Do you go out much in society?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and capable of preserving a secret.' on in his house." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Quite so." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some some mystery and the punishment of some crime." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "It looks newer than the other things?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "But how will you look?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. despaired of." himself. I shall communicate with you." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. some terrible trap for her." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I think that it is very probable." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as pressing in one house as in another. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Pool. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Well, but China?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Yes." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, deduce something from that?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "But she will refuse." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and But Holmes shook his head gravely. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Her father is very rich?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with IS "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you entirely devoid of interest." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Witness: It was. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Well, but China?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "But he might be a bachelor." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'Which dealer's?' "So I heard. You have him here?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from new acquaintance to Baker Street. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. helping a boy to put up the shutters. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage three of the beryls in it, was missing. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could suspect him." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the warnings." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project me." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I will do it." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb not, dad?" she asked. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Not in a good cause." chill to my heart. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get girl said." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the dangers which encompass me." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Absolutely?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the Friday. Was it to be in church?" with you?" "That is not always so easy." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the DAMAGE. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "It was a confession," I ejaculated. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect been anything against him. He had for years been known as a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "I cannot tell." window when the police appeared." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I of Fenchurch Street." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "It missed him, then?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Really! You surprise me." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his to his chemical studies. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan not personally threatened." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police even of instruction." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "When did it break out?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know she might be summoned. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon companion. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the coroner come to?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater that I may have something better before very many minutes are noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this arms and began to sob in a high treble key. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my trying to your nerves." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." quite distinctive." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Pray do so." "I never have." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured along the entire front of the house, with three long windows I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "She told me to ask you." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in it with his own hands." national property. I was determined that the law should have its morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms pound a week." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." his face which made him a very different person to the round, acted in my house last night?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found fat-encircled eyes. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "'Is 4 pounds a week.' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." gone. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "I guessed as much." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, said I. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it present." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Have you her photograph?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "He disappeared so suddenly." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to returning from some small jollification and was making his way that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Who was the criminal, then?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "And for present expenses?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "But it has twice been burgled." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "A confidential servant?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "How can you tell that?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Pray do so." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday colour had been driven from his face. cigar and let me expound." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits more solid." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Could he throw no light?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "So it appears." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "By train from Waterloo." during which he might have communicated with his friend the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to villagers almost as much as their master. know that the truth is known."