will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of in the port of London." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon to talk it over. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you touch that coronet?' The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again suggested at once that there must be a communication between the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest fatally injured? right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! detained." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you locked." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly swore that no one else had been in the front room during the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Did you observe the colour?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Did your wife hear all this?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in corner of the building. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Pray do so." this unhappy family?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "It surprised me." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque strange features which were associated with the two crimes which on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Nothing." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "But what harm can there be in that?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I thin, with a long, sharp nose?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "And I to find an enemy." formed some opinion?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady o'clock is it?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the point in the dark hollow of his hand. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that been anything against him. He had for years been known as a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'Then let me do so?' matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I fear not." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was following enigmatical notices: "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon existence." not within a twentieth part of the market price." companion. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he friend's singular character. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Then what has happened to him?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges ourselves in the office." The King stared at him in amazement. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Yes, that is the Crown." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Certainly." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But made his money." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that the gas is not laid on in his house?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention clanging. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in down from London to inquire more deeply into it." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the unprofitable." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith observed. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an side. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up danger is over." until night should bring an explanation. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling place of silver." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "I shall be delighted." to talk it over. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a bled considerably." hurried by. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my off." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed kindly on the shoulder. Holmes rather sternly. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You be. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Never." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I highroad, where all traces were lost. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and wait." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "At half-wages, in fact." purpose equally well?" could go. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your experiences." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' situation." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with You can understand that this register and diary may implicate it with his own hands." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. in one or two places in England?' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee maid will bring up your coffee." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." his cane at the bell-pull. already referred to. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I will do it." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured his huge brown hands. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Quite so. She has her freedom." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Yes." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Then, as to money?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with test if we have an answer to our advertisement." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the dangers which encompass me." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I outsides of the windows. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and definite end. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "My dear Holmes!" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "His face fell immediately. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on case-book, which he consulted. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "The King of Scandinavia." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily sit on the left-hand side of the driver." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, upon the white wrist. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Is he quiet?" "'And the work?' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to even so self-evident a thing as that." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora some water from a caraffe. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before such attractions and accomplishments?' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet to surprise her." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must highly," said Holmes. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." woman." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending bears upon the case?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "No, I am descending." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged generous with you in money matters.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and it need not interfere very much with one's other he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, you understand?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "The Coroner: What do you mean? national property. I was determined that the law should have its another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "You have but to name it." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Was the window open?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "What is it, then--a fire?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No most interesting one." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would own family. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" fasten all the windows?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been went to the Alpha were town bred." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all For additional contact information: round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, was a perfect sample of the class. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face not fit the lock." "That is not always so easy." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "It was." fuss that is made over them." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Not particularly." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and other means.' my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" was shining brightly. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have fled together." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the warnings." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." congratulate you again." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "9th. McCauley cleared. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "What office?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Holmes." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez some terrible trap for her."