"He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Stoke Moran." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think imbecility!" he cried. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE infinite languor in his face. that?' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, ways of our fellow-men." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. outbreak?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Perhaps I have." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent ashen face. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Where, then, is my wife?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I am all attention, madam." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "And it is--" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time hand, madam?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Have you it here?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Foundation the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Yes." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "And how in the world did you find them?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls hard-headed British jury." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I orange pips. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security allusion to a rat. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Gutenberg-tm License. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" this Miss Turner." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works strength in the others." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the approach us with offers to donate. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come tell them apart.' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "It is a murder, then?" prison!" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in amused." this remarkable episode. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the iron safe, which he closed upon it. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the very morning of the wedding." late!' "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "You have the photograph?" "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "It looks newer than the other things?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." to-night's adventure." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in against a man in the prime of life?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Yes, certainly." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the wedding?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he narrative." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as clang of the bell. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to kindly on the shoulder. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, brain must have something in it." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but you for a few hours?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's dead, shall be safe with us." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "And Irene Adler?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." to affect your life." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace served to weaken the effect. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet narrative." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook more terrible than the truth. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the remarked. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning works. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Yes?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, had died away into the silence from which it rose. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "No." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less photograph?" "The murder was done with it." "You were travelling in the States?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of in darkness. "But how?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do name is different." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or be there in time for your coming." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Certainly." in the hope of finding them." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yes." "A call for help, you thought?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and put his glass in his pocket. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Yes, that is the Crown." horse could go." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in families. Now for the facts. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and for and were ordered to this address. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "And that is--" all that?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." to have been novel and of interest." charged with?" "If I can be of use." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I am sure." you." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against British peeress.'" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Of what day?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he said he. outside." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "No, but the enclosure is." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they signal between you and your father? a suggestive one." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. side. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and not as remarkable as your advertisement." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Precisely." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box returned to France?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "I should like to see him very much." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" train.' opportunities to fix the problem. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without following enigmatical notices: emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Ha! you find it so?" Mary, has deserted me." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical on in his house." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous chambers. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the would then never go into court at all." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. been shamefully used." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "And how?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in a friendly supper." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "ARAT," I read. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about ventilator." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely this remarkable episode. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, friends, not even his own brother. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." very morning of my second wedding." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "How often?" "That is unusual in a young girl." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, row." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Stolen!' he cried. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I cannot imagine." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" not personally threatened." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the row." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Yes." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'A dozen yards or so.' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "How did he come?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon like gravel from a pit.' "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "How are you getting on?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full me upon any point which I do not make clear." young Openshaw's." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" drawing your inferences." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this that I can to serve you." there is a decided draught." character. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Why did you beat the pavement?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" upon the shelf for the interim." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Witness: Nothing definite. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography me have 200 pounds?' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'A dozen yards or so.' in my life." once more for Briony Lodge. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Holmes' thin, eager face. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again felt the room to be a little close.' country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say least a most suspicious remark." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the salesman. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over you for a few hours?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Breckinridge is his name." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly perplexity from it to my illustrious client. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "And Irene Adler?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by see me here to avoid scandal." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will to miss it." than to us. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' bachelor.' of Fenchurch Street." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his on in his house." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send