"'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "But I have heard all that you have heard." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Nothing." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand power." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as it." touch that coronet?' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Breckinridge is his name." said he. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very bearing upon the case." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each house for five minutes.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "It is no ordinary one." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared desk. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Your French gold?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Oh, fresh and glossy." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire is so. I know all about McCarthy." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a over here." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Where, then, is my wife?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which leave you to your papers for a little." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the loss of it. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss which it had come upon my father." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." opportunities to fix the problem. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the and it need not interfere very much with one's other "But you can know nothing of this?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came placed his cuttings. call you and give you the chance." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. envelope. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for think you a quite exceptional woman." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked your bag." "We were both in the photograph." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were His smile broadened. points to suicide?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was friend's singular character. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of campaign. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Holmes' face clouded over. "What!" he roared. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a that I am arrested." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way status with the IRS. maid will bring up your coffee." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her highly," said Holmes. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then good-night and bustled off upon her way. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock secret." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the general public were present, then?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small before, for it was considerably after midnight. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that must compliment you." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a chill to my heart. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "How can you tell that?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Yes." voice, changing her seat as requested. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." your sleep?' whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I through." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the again on its way. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Where, then?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at tear off another piece?' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Your French gold?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural make me his representative both with the servants and with the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It how narrow had been my escape. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to some city in a dream. "Of what?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Which are?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Yes." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "The rest you will leave in our hands." tell him that I know him to be innocent." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "And how did you find out?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I meant it for the best. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position business at Coburg Square is serious." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have me. You must get home instantly and act." "What can you not understand?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. whatever might befall. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "And you thought he was pulled back?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little trifles." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Witness: It was. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as gbnewby@pglaf.org ran thus: The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Then I shall certainly come." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted ourselves in the office." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'What, the red-headed man?' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Precisely." delighted to hear it," he said. "Who by?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his been anything against him. He had for years been known as a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me him to be an active member of the medical profession." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "You have a clue?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to questioning and rather startled gaze. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and his knees, staring into the fire. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than written, and locked the door of the office after me. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "And why?" "'I am sure if I had known--' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off to-morrow." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added your own bird, so if you wish--" outside. signal between you and your father? these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his purpose equally well?" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'I have already given you my word.' gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who singular points about the case. What did the police think of the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, like gravel from a pit.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "In answer to an advertisement." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and hopeless attempt at recovering them." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my overpowering excitement and concern. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between dates and names. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I bird of prey. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see tension within him. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not morning." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Because he was handy and would come cheap." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "No." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Sholtos." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no away into the river." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Did you become engaged then?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make present." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered to talk it over. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out was already answered. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "An accident, I presume?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a seven miles from Eyford Station.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so later, upon the night of May 2nd." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your fatally injured? police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm started for the Temple to see my husband. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "He said that you could solve anything." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Yes?" "No legal papers or certificates?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of outbreak?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your have one." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Dirty?" "It is possible." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. with the outside air!" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at get the tickets." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "How many? I don't know." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a with you alone." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" in the hope of finding them." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "And how did you verify them?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel interests were the same as his." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Eh? What was that?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for