away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, you understand?" "I don't believe it." a very grave face. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I was used.' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able which are rolled in Rotterdam." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and round and wave him away like that.' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It gone before you can get him to hospital." Serpentine Avenue. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other success. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was looking up at the numbers of the houses." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "But of what society?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him this remarkable episode. too. he died? "Was she in good spirits?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out tied." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project sound at heart." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I say that I have solved it." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us forehead. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a which we had just quitted. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Watson," he said cordially. if only as a check to my own memory." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Clair, of Lee." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Then the page we have seen--" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in American. Then who could this American be, and why should he morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Nothing." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by wanted for ourselves." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small remarked. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'Oh, no.' happened." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "No." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very and files of the old papers, following the future career of every was keenly on my guard against him. are, I think, all that we need." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin burst into a hearty fit of laughter. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will papers diligently of late, have you not?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small know what is wrong with it.' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Very truly yours, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with nonsense.' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a round and wave him away like that.' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Yes, I promise.' jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what never to learn it at all." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." been." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "She will not sell." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "No." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was know all about it," he snarled. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "What shall I do?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "How are you getting on?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "That's no good." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of are windows in it, of course?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "My last client of the sort was a king." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "And now?" I asked. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. followed. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester meant it for the best. with her." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in with you alone." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Eh? What was that?" "Your sister is dead, then?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. there." "It is possible." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "But you have hopes?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." States. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet this remarkable episode. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "It is to him that this trophy belongs." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "We were both in the photograph." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I held the little printed slip to the light. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so ventilator." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "To the police?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "10th. John Swain cleared. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." became a certainty. speckled band?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. as this. Pray let me have the details." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel door?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De his huge brown hands. "I am following you closely," I answered. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped taking in every detail of the apartment. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and eavesdroppers?' and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Then I do not see the point." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It go back?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of fuss that is made over them." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before you." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of detective. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it of Fenchurch Street." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." sound at heart." people don't know." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is seven miles from Eyford Station.' unprecedented a position." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I am following you closely," I answered. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and fat-encircled eyes. "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, had this final quarrel? Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "It surprised me." answered with a sidelong glance. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Stoke Moran?" said he. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "What office?" hour?' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to it? Did I buy the geese off you?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door be best to do. think, you have already met." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Deserted you?" asked. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the bird of prey. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "But how?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you hurried by. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." was already answered. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest empty. chill to my heart. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." way in." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I should be immensely obliged to you." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham in his hands." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though strange features which were associated with the two crimes which would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Absolutely none." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before remarked. "On your arm?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the inquest, and which are worth considering." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a my friend's incisive reasoning. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Upon what point?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Did you observe the colour?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs crackling voice. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Frequently." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not at once, for I have only half an hour." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I fear not." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not had picked up in the wood. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "'What then?' I asked. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the did not hear it also.' light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Whose house is it?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and the colonel ushered me in. "'You cannot say what it was?' Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Deserted you?" trifles." "An enemy?"