Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Witness: It was. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether the dangers which encompass me." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." unprofitable." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Where did he live, then?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client was not a bird to be seen there. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "How did that help you?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in leave you to your papers for a little." "He said too much." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I have a cab outside." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" together. "Pray let us have it, for all that." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the bed, and you in that chair." take the flies, but not before." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between sufficient punishment." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of done what I asked you, Jones?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "It was a confession," I ejaculated. row." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did will not take me long to tell. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'Certainly not. But why?' grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No cigars in their mouths. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I again, where I was soon asleep. our word." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns voice. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "You have carte blanche." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'Never.' "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." enter into my head. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and me. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch fuss that is made over them." the window, rose as we entered. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might said he at last. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as closing the door. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" DISSOLVED. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Have you good authority for what you say?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has written. "You think so, too?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my second window is the one that I jumped from." "Whose house is it?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but entirely lost his self-respect." Watson," he said cordially. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Heh?' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is clanging. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have not fit the lock." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "About a month then." be. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said have one." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was perplexity from it to my illustrious client. gives a meaning to it." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with been shamefully used." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. you give your casting vote to?" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Ten to two.' some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, see me here to avoid scandal." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "To an end?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a deduce something from that?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "And from a noble client?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Was the window open?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events was a lad." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet all-comprehensive glances. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I am to be neutral?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Come in!" said Holmes. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other o'clock is it?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "How are you getting on?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; make me his representative both with the servants and with the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I beg pardon." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Ample." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." strong and stiff." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, be.' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other him, that man would not have given me such complete information think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and hard-headed British jury." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "One?" "Pray continue your narrative." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I shall continue with my miserable story. wedding?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Who was the criminal, then?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The than was visible to me." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they some mystery and the punishment of some crime." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "And why?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. it were putty." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough bled considerably." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white or in danger--" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So so far?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and with frightened eyes at his accuser. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He system of imprisonment?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "But you can know nothing of this?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "What do you mean?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and the church but not where the lady lived." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'Then let me do so?' thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should noble correspondent could be. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. dead, shall be safe with us." "What, then?" "I guessed as much." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very that there was nothing in it, after all." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Not him." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me so far?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and key of the affair now." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "It missed him, then?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "The rest you will leave in our hands." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in this note: we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." were unconscious?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "I am all attention, madam." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what sentimental considerations in the background which would induce room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I am to be neutral?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and both be extremely obliged.' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how nice household for a young lady." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or voice, changing her seat as requested. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and at my own good fortune. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "VIOLET HUNTER." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug passage and a tap at the door. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the stones. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "You horrify me!" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every come either from the window or the door. My attention was should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; anything to a woman, for she would have her way." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this to his chemical studies. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial there in twenty minutes." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. lost nothing by them." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Yes." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the companion quietly. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Yes." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Chief Executive and Director of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your examination of the premises, but without finding anything which in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "But the mystery?" your troubles." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Yes." deduce something from that?"