round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "In what way?" asked Holmes. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Nothing." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking DISSOLVED. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and you." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Lee, in the county of Kent." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Yes, the wine-cellar." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "ARAT," I read. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" companion. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for garden below. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible bears upon the case?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of whole matter to your consideration." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in For additional contact information: parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes ashen face. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm chance at all." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "To an end?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." John Swain, of St. Augustine. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Nearly eleven." your sleep?' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "What will you do, then?" "Why? What do you mean?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Does that suggest anything?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "No sign of it?" one of them." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "What will you say?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Why, it's a dummy," said he. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled what is your own theory as to what took place?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Here?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the King without delay." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed of campaign. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "So I heard. You have him here?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch tapping his fingers upon the table. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** too. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential certainly not very gracious." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, wedding?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed point our research must commence, and we will begin it by swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "A call for help, you thought?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I guessed as much." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Cross for the Continent." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "It is possible." chill to my heart. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the himself in a perplexing position. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and hard-headed British jury." "Nothing?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "My dear Holmes!" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "The doctor?" "What?" "No more words. Get out!" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this foot. "Ten will be early enough." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Have you good authority for what you say?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' in his hands." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "What! You do not mean bodies?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "But your client--" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this served to weaken the effect. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "I cannot imagine." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to residence of the great financier. asked with his eyes open. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you one's self under obligations.' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced your room." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very tell him that I know him to be innocent." nice household for a young lady." bird of prey. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Has he come with you to-night?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, have established a very serious case against the son of the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began not use it unless it is absolutely needed." extraordinary contortions. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She them?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "My photograph." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote bearing upon the case." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "No, but the enclosure is." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the within hail.' the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you best detective that ever lived. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "And Miss Sutherland?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For she slowly sank and died without having recovered her weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, gentleman's clothes. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady signal between you and your father? "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes helping a boy to put up the shutters. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "But who is he?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and be best to do. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Well?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "I guessed as much." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest to arrive at through this?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds chance at all." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "10th. John Swain cleared. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with had picked up in the wood. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Then you may entirely rely on me." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I came to find a friend." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a awaited us upon the table. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Why, what do you mean?" records." in. "But who is he?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point during that time.' will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed said he, "my real name is James Ryder." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Were they all fastened this morning?" hour." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Of Friday, June 19th." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I question. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." way in." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the note?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "And why in hopes?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" furiously. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I have a cab outside." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a door?" status with the IRS. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I saw her in conversation with her maid." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Stoke Moran." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "And your mother is alive?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was bled considerably." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Foundation said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of ways of our fellow-men." "She told me to ask you." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary spare." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be upon a handsome competence. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Look there!" said he. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came fat-encircled eyes. call the police, let the police find what they can.' the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "But she will refuse." even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to to a light-house. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'I shall certainly be there.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, and glanced through. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are kindly on the shoulder. "What is it, then--a fire?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave go from here to the Strand." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "No, but the enclosure is." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." arrangements."